MESSAGE TO THE URSULINES: CHALLENGE OF INCULTURATION

VATICAN CITY, JUL 18, 2002 (VIS) - John Paul II wrote a message to Sister Carmela Distefano, superior general of the Congregation of the Ursuline Religious of the Holy Family on the occasion of the general chapter of the institution, dedicated to the theme: "The mission that is confronted with the charisma and eye toward the future."

The Holy Father recalls that the order, according to what their constitutions establish, wants "to expand the Kingdom of God through the apostolate of education, assistance and missionary work" and underlines that the foundress, Rosa Roccuzzo, "was inspired for her tireless service of her neighbor in the spirit of the Holy Family, striving to confront ... the typical forms of the poverty of her time: from economic and moral to poverty provoked by the lack of adequate health care."

He then exhorts the religious to be "daily witnesses to the Gospel ... capable of distinguishing themselves by intense communion and active cooperation with the Church."

"The great challenge of inculturation," he concludes, "today requires that believers announce the Good News with language and ways comprehensible to the men and women of these times. An urgent mission and vast apostolic perspectives are opening up before you ... Be willing to offer your existence for the service of the poor; cultivate a true passion for educating young people, dedicate yourself with generosity to people, especially the sick and those who are suffering. So many are still waiting to get to know Jesus and His Gospel! So many need to feel the love of God."

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