VATICAN CITY, JUL 21, 2004 (VIS) - Made public today was Pope John Paul's Message to Fr. Hugh Cleary, superior general, and to the participants in the General Chapter of the Congregation of the Holy Cross as they meet in Rome. He noted they will examine their identity "as consecrated Religious and consider how best to preserve and adapt your spiritual patrimony to the changing historical and cultural situations of today."
"In 1837," writes the Pope, "your founder, the Venerable Basil Anthony Mary Moreau, responded generously and wisely to the needs of the turbulent times in which he lived, dedicating himself and his spiritual sons to the task of renewing and strengthening French society through preaching the gospel, education, and assistance to those in need. Beginning from a place providentially called 'Holy Cross', the Congregation rapidly spread abroad, establishing missions and educational institutions across the globe."
Noting that the Chapter's theme, "Crossing borders of every sort," is taken from their Constitution, he says it "expresses the desire to capture anew that initial spirit of your founder. ... In a world obsessed with material possessions and personal gratification, your witness of evangelical poverty, chastity, and obedience will shine for others, showing them what it means to follow Christ completely and unreservedly. Consequently, I invite you to set out boldly 'into the deep'."
"The recent establishment of the Congregation's new provinces in Haiti and North East India," the Holy Father continues, "is a clear sign of the fruitfulness of your apostolate for the life of the Church, demonstrating that the Gospel has taken firm root there. As the Second Vatican Council so wisely te aches, 'Missionary activity extends the saving faith of the Church, it expands and perfects her catholic unity . . . and bears witness to her sanctity'. As you consolidate your presence in these and other territories, you contribute to the growth of the Church, you enkindle the flame of hope in the hearts of God's children, and you carry out the Lord's injunction to 'go out to the whole world and proclaim the good news'."
JPII-MESSAGE/CHAPTER/HOLY CROSS: CLEARY VIS 20040721 (360)
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