Vatican
City, 2 December 2013 (VIS) – Pope Francis today received in
audience a group of prelates from the Bishops' Conference of the
Netherlands on their “ad limina” visit. The Holy Father focused
on how to accompany those who suffer from “spiritual emptiness”
and who seek the meaning of life. “Listen to them”, he said, “to
help them share in the hope, joy, and capacity to carry on that Jesus
Christ gives us”.
“The
Church”, he continued, “not only proposes immutable moral truths
and attitudes which go against the grain, but also proposes them as
the key to the good of humanity and social development. Christians
have the mission of taking up this challenge. The education of
consciences therefore becomes a priority, especially through the
formation of critical judgement, in order to have a positive approach
to social realities: superficial judgement and resignation to
indifference can thus be avoided”.
In
the society of the Netherlands, “strongly characterised by
secularism”, the Pope invited the prelates to “be present both in
public debate in all spheres which affect humanity, to make visible
God's mercy and his tenderness to every living creature. … As I
have often stated, … the Church enlarges not by proselytism but by
attraction. She is sent everywhere to awaken, reawaken and maintain
hope! This brings us to the importance of encouraging the faithful to
seize opportunities for dialogue, to be present in those places where
the future is decided; they will thus be able to bring their
contribution into the debates on important social matters regarding,
for instance, the family, marriage and the end of life”.
“In
a country rich in many respects, poverty affects a growing number of
people. Make the most of the generosity of the faithful to bring the
light and compassion of Christ where He is awaited, and especially
among the most marginalised people”, the Pope continued.
Furthermore, Catholic schools, which provide a solid education for
the young, must continue to favour their human and spiritual
formation, in a spirit of dialogue and brotherhood with those who do
not share their faith”.
He
went on to reconfirm the importance of “advancing along the path of
ecumenism”, and reminded the bishops that the future and the
vitality of the Church in the Netherlands depend also on priestly and
religious vocations, stressing the importance of being close to
priests, of listening to and guiding them as necessary. “Do not
forget to go towards those who do not approach you; some of them,
unfortunately, are disappointed in their efforts”.
“In
particular”, he added, “I wish to express my compassion and to
ensure my closeness in prayer to every victim of sexual abuse, and to
their families; I ask you to continue to support them along the
painful path of healing, that they have undertaken with courage”.
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