PAPAL DISCOURSE TO BISHOPS OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA

VATICAN CITY, FEB 15, 2003 (VIS) - The prelates of Equatorial Guinea were received today by the Pope who, in his talk to them, focussed on the need for priests, the multi-faceted roles of men and women religious, the importance of an optimum catechesis of the laity, and the need to respect all human rights, including the rights to life, religious freedom, food, education and freedom of movement, expression and association.

"One of the greater difficulties you encounter in your particular Churches is the lack of priests," the Holy Father began his discourse in Spanish. He underscored the urgency of promoting a pastoral ministry for vocations, especially one that incorporates native clergy and missionaries, and of praying insistently for vocations. He also pointed out the importance of "strong and healthy families where one learns genuine values" as the source of vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.

The Pope lauded the bishops' efforts to create a national seminary, saying that "the creation of adequate spaces where candidates can receive an appropriate preparation in the diverse human and theological sciences is of capital importance." Seminary life must be marked by "prayer and frequent reception of the Sacraments, ... discipline, fraternal coexistence and acquiring habits that configure the style of the priest or religious of our times."

John Paul II also praised the many roles played by religious, many of whom are from Spain, in Guinean society, including direct work with parishes and missions, as well as in the fields of education, health, welfare and charity. Their work "enriches your local Churches with the efficacy of its services as well as, above all, through the personal and communitarian witness to the Gospel."

Turning to the lay faithful, the Pope said they "have a role of utmost importance in facing present and future challenges in your country." The laity must be "witnesses of a stainless life in the world, search for holiness in the family, in work and in social life," and be dedicated to making the Christian spirit permeate all levels of their life and work. This requires "an appropriate religious and human formation which helps them to face the equivocal forms of religiosity or pseudo-religious movements that are so widespread today."

John Paul II then commented on how the country's past had been marked by painful moments, and painful consequences, both ecclesial and social, and he urged everyone "to be ministers of reconciliation. ... Pardon is not incompatible with justice, and the best future of the country is one which is built in peace, which is the fruit of justice and of pardon, both offered and received."

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