VIETNAM: EVANGELIZATION AND FORMATION OF ALL THE FAITHFUL

VATICAN CITY, JAN 22, 2002 (VIS) - This morning, John Paul II received members of the Episcopal Conference of Vietnam, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit, and thanked them for their "perseverance and valiant testimony" in the task with which they have been entrusted.

The Pope began by speaking of the evangelical and missionary priorities of the Church in Vietnam. "The vital importance of the mission," he said, "must always inspire the courageous decisions you make with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the main agent of evangelization. With the help of the Spirit you will be able to give an effective response to the demands of announcing the Gospel."

After recalling that in their five-yearly reports the bishops had referred to the need for developing both initial catechetical formation and the permanent formation of priests, male and female religious and lay people, he said: "The many years of conflict, the dispersal of Christian communities and the disparity in levels of education among the faithful have rendered the planning and organization of such formation difficult. ... It is particularly urgent that everyone be offered solid teaching in the Church's social doctrine."

"The Catholic Church," he went on, "is also called to share its hope, tirelessly proposing the path of dialogue. ... A confident and constructive dialogue among all members of civil society will enable fresh hope to be given to all the people of Vietnam."

The Holy Father emphasized that the Church is not to be confused with the political community, though "healthy collaboration" must exist between them. He went on to add: "The Church invites her members to commit themselves faithfully to the development of all people and to building a just, united and equal society. ... In order to implement this 'healthy collaboration,' the Church hopes that the political community will totally respect her independence and autonomy. That most precious advantage that is religious liberty ... concerns both individuals and religious communities."

"I hope that all members of the nation will come together to promote a civilization of love based on the universal values of peace, justice, solidarity and liberty."

John Paul II highlighted the "vitality and courage" of the Vietnamese laity "who live and celebrate their faith in conditions that are often difficult." He asked that they be given a formation "that makes them witnesses in social, political and economic life."

The Pope made reference to priests' need to receive "a spiritual and intellectual formation appropriate to the missionary challenges they must face." Finally, he expressed his joy at the number of vocations to the consecrated life, especially to the female religious life, and encouraged consecrated men and women "not to slacken in their missionary commitment and to commit themselves with renewed fervor to the announcement of Christ and to the service of all human beings."

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