MESSAGE FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ITALIAN BISHOPS' CONFERENCE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 21, 2002 (VIS) - The Italian Episcopal Conference, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding, began its 49th General Assembly last evening in Rome, during which a Message from Pope John Paul was ready to the assembly.

The Pope recalled Italy's two-millennia old tradition "of faith, holiness and Christian culture," and said the CEI "has contributed to preserving and renewing, in current historical circumstances, this legacy and tradition." He also highlighted the many teachings and initiatives over the years, including "the publication of new catechisms for Christian life" and "the institution of Italian Caritas."

Noting the bishops' "special union and full harmony with the Successor of Peter, Bishop of Rome and Primate of Italy," the Holy Father said, "I wish to confirm my affection, support and spiritual closeness to you."

He asked the bishops "to persevere with great charity" in their pastoral responsibilities and "to continue, in particular, to dedicate special attention to the family and to welcome and defend life, to promote the pastoral ministry for the family and to support the rights of the family founded on marriage. Have ever greater faith in children and young people and spare no efforts in favoring their genuine education, above all in the family, the school and in ecclesial communities themselves."

The Pope urged them to dedicate themselves "with passion to the promotion of authentic Christian vocations, in particular vocations to the priesthood and religious life."

"Continue to be," he added, "credible witnesses of solidarity and generous peace makers. Our world, which is ever more interdependent and yet pierced by deep and tenacious divisions, has great need of authentic peace." Italy also needs social harmony, he said, "to give its own contribution to building more just international relations, marked by solidarity."

In conclusion, the Pope stated that "Italy, by virtue of its history, culture and actual Christian vitality, can truly have a great role so that the Europe which is being built will not lose its spiritual roots, but on the contrary will find in the faith lived by Christians an inspiration and stimulus in its path towards unity."

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