MISSIONARY COMMITMENT IN LINE WITH LEGITIMITE PASTORS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 16, 2003 (VIS) - Today at midday in the Clemetine Hall, the Holy Father received participants in the General Chapter of the Friars Minor which is taking place in Assisi, Italy from May 25 to June 21 with Fr. Jose Rodriguez Carballo, the new minister general.

John Paul II said that at the beginning of the third millennium the "new evangelization" is very necessary: "This missionary commitment will be fruitful," he assured, "according to the measure in which it is carried out in line with the legitimite pastors, to whom the Lord has entrusted the responsibility of His flock. In this regard, I note the efforts made to overcome difficulties that have existed for some time in certain territories. I truly hope that, thanks to everyone's contribution, full understanding with diocesan authority is achieved as my venerable predecessor Pope Paul VI urged, and that it is found to be indispensable for the effective work of evangelization."

"Be holy!" exclaimed the Holy Father. "It is a real pastoral necessity for our times. In order to help others to find God above everything else, it is necessary that you, dear Brothers, be the first to commit yourself to this arduous personal asceticism and community, finding in your rule and your constitutions, 'an itinerary to follow, characterized by a specific charism recognized by the Church'."

The Pope expressed the desire that the work of the chapter "may contribute to the growth of that spirit of humble obedience to God and filial adhesion to the directives of the pastors of the Church that must distinguish the Friars Minor. May St. Francis and the saints who protect your Order accompany you!"

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