VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received bishops from the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.
The Pope greeted the older prelates, while to those recently consecrated he expressed the hope that, with their "youthful energies, they may contribute to the growth of evangelizing activities" in Mozambique.
"As you were told on the day of your episcopal consecration," he went on, "you are responsible for announcing the Word of God throughout the area entrusted to you." The bishop's responsibilities also include, he added, "formation in prayer and preparation for the Sacraments, that they may be decorously administered to Christian people," as well as a concern for "the organic unity of the diocese and its charitable, educational and apostolic institutions."
"Obviously, this pastoral service depends upon your presence, as often as possible, in all the communities of your dioceses and on your pastoral attention to people's living conditions, both human and religious. In particular, priests need you to visit and to receive them, they need your guidance and counsel."
The Holy Father also mentioned the "immense task" facing Mozambican bishops in "evangelizing more than half the population," highlighting how all Christians must "collaborate to bring this about. One providential means to this end ... are the ecclesial movements and new communities," he added.
In this mission "it is important to deepen the faith using all the means at your disposal," from the catechesis of young people and adults to meetings and liturgy, with the consequent inculturation these activities bring. Indeed, without inculturation "it would not be possible to impregnate ancestral customs with the Christian spirit," and "respectful dialogue with other religions would be difficult."
"A profound and committed faith renews people's behavior in their social and professional lives," and consequently also renews "the fabric of society. ... Christians must contribute to overcoming injustices, ... helping the most needy, ... and promoting tolerance and reconciliation."
"This," said Pope Benedict, "is a vitally important ethical task for the nation and as pastors it is your duty to inspire and sustain it, always preserving your own freedom -which is the Church's freedom on her prophetic mission - and maintaining a clear distinction between this pastoral mission and the ... programs of political leaders."
The Pope then went on to consider the "great lack" of priests in the country, a situation that calls for "investment in the pastoral care of vocations." He also recognized the efforts of catechists who, he said, need "careful training" for their work and "special help to assume their responsibility of bearing witness to the faith in the face of the cultural evolution of their brothers and sisters."
"The evangelization of Christian life and the increase of vocations depend upon families ... accepting as a model the requirements and grace of Christian marriage. I know that there is no lack of difficulties due to the limitations of certain ancient customs, as well as to the instability of homes which have to face harsh trials from a society in which sensuality and individualism predominate."
Finally, the Holy Father recalled the numerous areas in which the pastoral solicitude of Mozambican bishops is required: "assistance to the poor and the marginalized, countering the advance of sects, and developing the social communications media. ... The questions upon which we have touched," he added, "represent a challenge that requires great efforts considering the limited apostolic resources available to you, even calling on priests and religious from other countries who, I hope, will prove generous."
"I am sure you will overcome these challenges thanks to the faith and determination that motivate you," he concluded. "Treasure your experience, interpret it in harmony with the signs of the times and relative to the needs of your people, moved always by a spirit of faithfulness to the Church."
AL/.../MOZAMBIQUE VIS 20070528 (650)
The Pope greeted the older prelates, while to those recently consecrated he expressed the hope that, with their "youthful energies, they may contribute to the growth of evangelizing activities" in Mozambique.
"As you were told on the day of your episcopal consecration," he went on, "you are responsible for announcing the Word of God throughout the area entrusted to you." The bishop's responsibilities also include, he added, "formation in prayer and preparation for the Sacraments, that they may be decorously administered to Christian people," as well as a concern for "the organic unity of the diocese and its charitable, educational and apostolic institutions."
"Obviously, this pastoral service depends upon your presence, as often as possible, in all the communities of your dioceses and on your pastoral attention to people's living conditions, both human and religious. In particular, priests need you to visit and to receive them, they need your guidance and counsel."
The Holy Father also mentioned the "immense task" facing Mozambican bishops in "evangelizing more than half the population," highlighting how all Christians must "collaborate to bring this about. One providential means to this end ... are the ecclesial movements and new communities," he added.
In this mission "it is important to deepen the faith using all the means at your disposal," from the catechesis of young people and adults to meetings and liturgy, with the consequent inculturation these activities bring. Indeed, without inculturation "it would not be possible to impregnate ancestral customs with the Christian spirit," and "respectful dialogue with other religions would be difficult."
"A profound and committed faith renews people's behavior in their social and professional lives," and consequently also renews "the fabric of society. ... Christians must contribute to overcoming injustices, ... helping the most needy, ... and promoting tolerance and reconciliation."
"This," said Pope Benedict, "is a vitally important ethical task for the nation and as pastors it is your duty to inspire and sustain it, always preserving your own freedom -which is the Church's freedom on her prophetic mission - and maintaining a clear distinction between this pastoral mission and the ... programs of political leaders."
The Pope then went on to consider the "great lack" of priests in the country, a situation that calls for "investment in the pastoral care of vocations." He also recognized the efforts of catechists who, he said, need "careful training" for their work and "special help to assume their responsibility of bearing witness to the faith in the face of the cultural evolution of their brothers and sisters."
"The evangelization of Christian life and the increase of vocations depend upon families ... accepting as a model the requirements and grace of Christian marriage. I know that there is no lack of difficulties due to the limitations of certain ancient customs, as well as to the instability of homes which have to face harsh trials from a society in which sensuality and individualism predominate."
Finally, the Holy Father recalled the numerous areas in which the pastoral solicitude of Mozambican bishops is required: "assistance to the poor and the marginalized, countering the advance of sects, and developing the social communications media. ... The questions upon which we have touched," he added, "represent a challenge that requires great efforts considering the limited apostolic resources available to you, even calling on priests and religious from other countries who, I hope, will prove generous."
"I am sure you will overcome these challenges thanks to the faith and determination that motivate you," he concluded. "Treasure your experience, interpret it in harmony with the signs of the times and relative to the needs of your people, moved always by a spirit of faithfulness to the Church."
AL/.../MOZAMBIQUE VIS 20070528 (650)
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