INDIA: MOTHER TERESA IS YOUR MODEL OF CHARITY

VATICAN CITY, MAY 23, 2003 (VIS) - This morning the Pope received pastors from the Ecclesiastical Provinces of Calcutta, Guwahati, Impahl and Shillong who just completed their "ad limina" visit.

In his speech, John Paul recalled that "for centuries Catholics in India have been carrying on the essential work of evangelization, especially in the fields of education and social services, freely offered to Christians and non-Christians alike. ... It is most disconcerting that some who wish to become Christians are required to receive the permission of local authorities, while others have lost their right to social assistance and family support. Still others have been ostracized or driven out of their villages. Unfortunately, certain fundamentalist movements are creating confusion among some Catholics and even directly challenging any attempt at evangelization. It is my hope," he continued, "that as leaders in the faith you will not be discouraged by these injustices but rather continue to engage society in such a way that these alarming trends can be reversed."

After noting that "obstacles to conversion are not always external but may occur within your own communities," he said, "This can happen when those of other religions see disagreement, scandal and disunity within our Catholic institutions. For this reason it is important that priests, religious, and lay people should all work together and especially cooperate with their Bishop, who is the sign and source of unity."

The Pope affirmed that "fundamental to sustained efforts of evangelization is the development of a local Church which is itself poised to become missionary. ... The commitment to follow Christ as a priest requires the best training possible." In this sense, he praised the bishops' initiatives to ensure that their institutes of priestly formation "reach the high standards of education and training necessary for today's clergy."

Speaking about the formation of lay people, the Holy Father underscored the necessity to prepare them to receive the sacraments, especially marriage, to form catechists and to provide "the spiritual and moral support necessary."

"India," he continued, "is fortunate to have a direct reminder of the Church's vocation to love the weakest in the witness and example of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, soon to be beatified." "Like Mother Teresa," he said to the prelates, "you too are called to be outstanding examples of simplicity, humility and charity for those entrusted to your care. ... You will use the example of Mother Teresa as a model for the works of charity in your communities."

John Paul II indicated that "in a world in which so many people have so many questions, it is only through Christ that they can hope to find sure answers. He concluded by stressing that "only an active and engaged participation in the mystery of reconciliation can bring true peace and a genuine response to the burdens which weigh on the soul. I am pleased to hear that in many of your dioceses the faithful frequently avail themselves of the grace of the sacrament of Reconciliation, and I encourage you to continue to stress the importance of this sacrament."

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