VATICAN CITY, DEC 3, 2005 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received the second group of prelates from the Conference of the Polish Episcopate, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit.
In his address, the Holy Father referred to new evangelization which, he pointed out, was the theme of one of the first initiatives of his predecessor, John Paul II. "Under his guidance we entered this new millennium of Christianity, with an awareness of the constant validity of his call to a new evangelization."
After stressing the fact that the primary responsibility for evangelization falls on bishops, the Pope also emphasized their responsibility for the "quality of formation in seminaries," bearing in mind "not only future priests' intellectual formation for their impending duties, but also their spiritual and emotional formation." On this subject, he called on the prelates to implement the guidelines laid down in the recently-published document of the Congregation for Catholic Education concerning the admission of candidates to holy orders.
"It is important," he went on, "that the process of spiritual and intellectual formation does not end with the seminary. Constant priestly formation is necessary. I know that in Polish dioceses ... courses, retreats, spiritual exercises and other meetings are organized, during which priests can share their pastoral problems and successes."
After making it clear that bishops should "listen attentively to priests and help them in their difficulties," Benedict XVI gave thanks to God for the numerous vocations in Poland and made a call for priests to be encouraged "to undertake missionary service or pastoral commitment in countries where there is a lack of clergy."
"The various charisms, and the services undertaken by male and female religious and by members of lay institutes of consecrated life, represent a source of great wealth for the Church," said the Pope. In this context, he called on the prelates to watch over female religious communities. "Nuns who undertake various services in the Church merit supreme respect, and their work must be recognized and appreciated correctly. They must not be denied adequate spiritual support or the possibility of intellectual development and growth in the faith. ... And I particularly call upon you to take to heart the wellbeing of the contemplative orders."
Turning to speak of the laity, the Pope said that "one of the chief aims of the activity of the laity is the moral renewal of society, which cannot be superficial, partial and instantaneous. ... One specific task of the laity is participation in public and political life. ... The Church does not identify herself with any one party, political community or political system; she does, however, recall that lay people in public life must bear courageous and coherent witness to Christian values, which have to be affirmed and defended when they are threatened. The must do so publicly, both in political debates and in the communications media"
"Dialogue undertaken by the Catholic laity on political questions," he added, "will prove effective and of service to the common good when it is founded on love for truth, a spirit of service, and united commitment in favor of the common good."
After the Holy Father's address, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow pronounced some words of greeting in the name of the assembled prelates: "There is a reason for which we would like express our gratitude," he said, "and that is your adherence to the person and the work of Servant of God John Paul II. In the first place, we would like to say thank you for your discreet, competent and faithful collaboration throughout such a rich and important pontificate. We can only imagine how precious your wise advice was to John Paul II, both in the most difficult theological questions and in matters concerning the daily life of the Universal Church. We thank you for the delicacy with which you accompanied your dear predecessor in the final days of his sickness and for your testimony as dean of the College of Cardinals during the funeral. Nor can we forget your continuous recollection of the teaching and example of John Paul II in your speeches and pastoral activities. And how can we not thank you for the decision to reduce the time for the opening of the cause of beatification of our beloved Pope? Thank you, Your Holiness!"
The Polish people, Archbishop Dziwisz told the Pope, "are anxious to welcome you. We all await your visit to our country and to the Church that loves you and supports you with constant prayer. You may be certain of these sentiments. As you know, the beloved John Paul II never sought to bind people to his own person, but to Peter's Successor. Our people unhesitatingly understood this concept; they do not cease to love the late Pope, but they equally love the one who succeeded him. I also feel I must inform you that it is above all young people who ask us to tell Your Holiness that they want to meet you during your visit to Poland. I would be honored if this meeting were to take place in Krakow."
AL/.../POLAND VIS 20051205 (860)
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