CONSECRATED LIFE HAS HELPED SHAPE EUROPE'S CHRISTIAN IDENTITY

VATICAN CITY, SEP 29, 2003 (VIS) - Sixty participants in the General Chapter of the Canons Regular of Premontre (Premonstratensians), were welcomed by the Holy Father this morning who, in his talked to them in English, highlighted the role of consecrated life in shaping Europe's identity.

"The Canons Regular of Premontre, in their long and illustrious history, have contributed significantly to the growth and life of the Church, especially in Europe," he said. "Consecrated life and its witness to the saving message of Jesus Christ has played a fundamental role in the evangelization of Europe and in the shaping of its Christian identity."

"In more recent years," the Pope remarked, "your Order has extended its presence to various parts of the world and has sought to serve the Church through new forms of the apostolate. ... This witness to 'koinonia' will be a powerful sign and source of hope for a world confronted by exaggerated forms of individualism and social fragmentation. In light of this I urge you to continue to foster a spirit of fraternal charity, lived in the name of Jesus and His love."

John Paul II noted that the Premonstratensians, "spiritual sons of St. Norbert," are experiencing, like other institutes, some difficulty in attracting vocations, and he encouraged them "to persevere in your efforts to make known to the world, especially to the young, the beauty and joy of a religious vocation."

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