COMMUNION AMONG MISSIONARY INSTITUTES, BISHOPS, APOSTOLIC SEE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 31, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II received at midday today participants in a meeting organized by the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples with the superiors of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and the Societies of Apostolic Life involved in the "ad gentes" mission.

The Pope emphasized that "throughout the centuries consecrated persons have always been in the forefront of missionary activity ad gentes. Many of them have left their homes, families and countries of origin. ... They have frequently faced difficulties and obstacles, rejection and sacrifices," and some have even suffered martyrdom.

"The mission," he continued, "is of course demanding and in light of problems, difficulties and misunderstandings, the decrease of 'ad vitam' missionary vocations, the temptation to discouragement and fatigue can sometimes manifest itself. This could spread among you due to the monotony of the daily routine or spiritual dryness. Resist these temptations, gaining the strength to overcome all obstacles from deep union with God."

The Holy Father underlined that the new evangelization "is necessary to continue cultivating a fruitful communion among the missionary institutes, bishops and individual Churches, maintaining constant dialogue animated by charity, as much on the diocesan level as on the national level, with the Unions of female and male superiors, respecting diverse charisms, duties and ministries."

"The spirit of communion which is born from the 'cum ecclesia' feeling is exercised in a significant way in the collaboration with the Apostolic See and the organizations in charge of missionary activity, in the first place the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples."

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