VATICAN CITY, 14 MAY 2011 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed Guzman Carriquiry, under-secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, as Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
NA/ VIS 20110516 (30)
Monday, May 16, 2011
PROMOTING AND NURTURING VOCATIONS AND CONSECRATED LIFE
VATICAN CITY, 16 MAY 2011 (VIS) - Benedict XVI appeared at the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace to recite the Regina Coeli with the faithful in St. Peter's Square.
Commenting on the Gospel of this Fourth Sunday of Easter, which "presents us with one of the most beautiful icons that, since the first centuries of the Church, represents Jesus Christ: that of the Good Shepherd", the Holy Father said that "the attitude of the flock toward the Good Shepherd, Christ, is presented by the evangelist with two specific verbs: to listen and to follow. These terms designate the fundamental characteristics of those who live as followers of the Lord. Above all, in listening to His Word, from which the faith is born and nurtured. Only those who are attentive to the voice of the Lord are able to evaluate by their own conscience the correct decision to act according to God. From listening derives, therefore, the decision to follow Christ: we act as disciples after listening to and internalising the teachings of the Master in order to live by them from day to day".
"This Sunday", he continued, "it is natural to remember the Shepherds of the Church of God, and those who are being formed to become Shepherds. I therefore invite you to say a special prayer for bishops - including the Bishop of Rome! - for parish priests, for all those who have a responsibility in leading the flock of Christ, that they might be faithful and wise in carrying out their office. In particular, let us pray for vocations to the priesthood on this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, that authentic workers for the Lord's harvest never be lacking".
The Holy Father went on to recall that "seventy years ago Venerable Pius XII instituted the Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations. The happy intuition of my predecessor was founded on the conviction that vocations grow and mature in the particular Churches, facilitated by healthy family contexts and strengthened by the spirit of faith, charity and piety. In my message for this day I emphasised that a vocation is followed when we leave behind 'our will that is closed in itself and our idea of self-actualisation, to immerse ourselves in another will, God's, letting ourselves be guided by it.'"
He concluded, "also, in this time when the Lord's voice risks being submerged by so many other voices, every ecclesial community is called to promote and safeguard vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. Men, in fact, always need God, even in our technological world, and there will always be a need for Shepherds who announce the Word and help us to meet the Lord in the Sacraments".
ANG/ VIS 20110516 (460)
Commenting on the Gospel of this Fourth Sunday of Easter, which "presents us with one of the most beautiful icons that, since the first centuries of the Church, represents Jesus Christ: that of the Good Shepherd", the Holy Father said that "the attitude of the flock toward the Good Shepherd, Christ, is presented by the evangelist with two specific verbs: to listen and to follow. These terms designate the fundamental characteristics of those who live as followers of the Lord. Above all, in listening to His Word, from which the faith is born and nurtured. Only those who are attentive to the voice of the Lord are able to evaluate by their own conscience the correct decision to act according to God. From listening derives, therefore, the decision to follow Christ: we act as disciples after listening to and internalising the teachings of the Master in order to live by them from day to day".
"This Sunday", he continued, "it is natural to remember the Shepherds of the Church of God, and those who are being formed to become Shepherds. I therefore invite you to say a special prayer for bishops - including the Bishop of Rome! - for parish priests, for all those who have a responsibility in leading the flock of Christ, that they might be faithful and wise in carrying out their office. In particular, let us pray for vocations to the priesthood on this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, that authentic workers for the Lord's harvest never be lacking".
The Holy Father went on to recall that "seventy years ago Venerable Pius XII instituted the Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations. The happy intuition of my predecessor was founded on the conviction that vocations grow and mature in the particular Churches, facilitated by healthy family contexts and strengthened by the spirit of faith, charity and piety. In my message for this day I emphasised that a vocation is followed when we leave behind 'our will that is closed in itself and our idea of self-actualisation, to immerse ourselves in another will, God's, letting ourselves be guided by it.'"
He concluded, "also, in this time when the Lord's voice risks being submerged by so many other voices, every ecclesial community is called to promote and safeguard vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life. Men, in fact, always need God, even in our technological world, and there will always be a need for Shepherds who announce the Word and help us to meet the Lord in the Sacraments".
ANG/ VIS 20110516 (460)
CALL FOR AN END TO VIOLENCE IN LIBYA AND SYRIA
VATICAN CITY, 16 MAY 2011 (VIS) - After praying the Regina Coeli, the Holy Father remarked that he continued "to follow with great apprehension the dramatic armed conflict in Libya, which has caused a great number of victims and suffering above all among the civil population. I renew a pressing call that the path of negotiation and dialogue prevail over that of violence, with the help of the international organisations that are seeking a solution to the crisis. I assure, furthermore, my prayerful and heartfelt participation in the local Church's undertaking to help the population, in particular through consecrated persons present in the hospitals".
The Pope went on to speak about the events in Syria, "where it is urgent that a co-existence marked by concord and unity be restored. I ask God that there be no more bloodshed in that homeland of great religions and civilisation, and I invite the authorities and all citizens to do all they can in seeking the common good and in accepting the legitimate aspirations for a future of peace and stability".
He concluded, "the beatification of John Paul II has had a global resonance. There are other exemplary witnesses of Christ, much less known, that the Church proposes with joy for the veneration of the faithful. Today in Würzburg, Germany, Georg Häfner, a diocesan priest who died in the concentration camp at Dachau is being proclaimed blessed. And last Saturday at Pozzuoli another priest was beatified, Giustino Maria Russolillo, the founder of the Society of the Divine Vocation. We thank the Lord that He ensures the Church does not lack holy priests!"
ANG/ VIS 20110516 (270)
The Pope went on to speak about the events in Syria, "where it is urgent that a co-existence marked by concord and unity be restored. I ask God that there be no more bloodshed in that homeland of great religions and civilisation, and I invite the authorities and all citizens to do all they can in seeking the common good and in accepting the legitimate aspirations for a future of peace and stability".
He concluded, "the beatification of John Paul II has had a global resonance. There are other exemplary witnesses of Christ, much less known, that the Church proposes with joy for the veneration of the faithful. Today in Würzburg, Germany, Georg Häfner, a diocesan priest who died in the concentration camp at Dachau is being proclaimed blessed. And last Saturday at Pozzuoli another priest was beatified, Giustino Maria Russolillo, the founder of the Society of the Divine Vocation. We thank the Lord that He ensures the Church does not lack holy priests!"
ANG/ VIS 20110516 (270)
BISHOPS OF INDIA: LIBERTY OF FREEDOM AND WORSHIP
VATICAN CITY, 16 MAY 2011 (VIS) - The Pope today received prelates from the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India on their "ad limina" visit.
In his English-language discourse, the Holy Father affirmed that "the definitive revelation of God which comes to us in Jesus Christ and which believers throughout the world joyfully proclaim is expressed in a particular way in the sacred Scriptures and in the sacramental life of the Church. ... Christ's saving power is also proclaimed in the lives of the saints who have wholeheartedly taken up the Gospel message and lived it faithfully among their brothers and sisters. Christian revelation, when accepted in freedom and by the working of God's grace, transforms men and women from within and establishes a wonderful, redemptive relationship with God, our heavenly Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit. This is the heart of the message we teach, this is the great gift we offer in charity to our neighbour: a share in the very life of God".
"Within the Church, believers' first steps along the way of Christ must always be accompanied by a sound catechesis that will allow them to flourish in faith, love and service. ... Recognizing that catechesis is distinct from theological speculation, priests, religious and lay catechists need to know how to communicate with clarity and loving devotion the life-transforming beauty of Christian living and teaching, which will enable and enrich the encounter with Christ himself. This is especially true of the preparation of the faithful to meet our Lord in the sacraments".
With reference to the particular situation in India, "which is home to various ancient religions, including Christianity", Benedict XVI emphasised that "the Christian life in such societies always demands honesty and sincerity about one's own beliefs, and respect for those of one's neighbour. The presentation of the Gospel in such circumstances, therefore, involves the delicate process of inculturation. ... The process of inculturation requires that priests, religious and lay catechists carefully employ the languages and appropriate customs of the people they serve in presenting the Good News". To this end, he encouraged the bishops to "oversee this process with a fidelity to the deposit of faith which has been handed down to us to maintain and transmit".
With regard to interreligious dialogue, the Pope remarked upon the "challenging circumstances many of you face as you develop a dialogue with those of other religious beliefs, all the while encouraging an atmosphere of tolerant interaction". He continued, "Your dialogue should be characterized by a constant regard for that which is true, in order to foster mutual respect while avoiding semblances of syncretism".
He added, "moreover, as Indian Christians strive to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours of other beliefs, your prudent leadership will be crucial in the civil and moral task of working to safeguard the fundamental human rights of freedom of religion and freedom of worship. As you know, these rights are based upon the common dignity of all human beings and are recognized throughout the concert of nations".
He emphasised that "the Catholic Church strives to promote these rights for all religions throughout the world" and concluded by encouraging the prelates "to work patiently to establish the common ground necessary for the harmonious enjoyment of these basic rights in your communities. Even if he encounters opposition, the Christian's own charity and forbearance should serve to convince others of the rightness of religious tolerance, from which the followers of all religions stand to gain".
AL/ VIS 20110516 (590)
In his English-language discourse, the Holy Father affirmed that "the definitive revelation of God which comes to us in Jesus Christ and which believers throughout the world joyfully proclaim is expressed in a particular way in the sacred Scriptures and in the sacramental life of the Church. ... Christ's saving power is also proclaimed in the lives of the saints who have wholeheartedly taken up the Gospel message and lived it faithfully among their brothers and sisters. Christian revelation, when accepted in freedom and by the working of God's grace, transforms men and women from within and establishes a wonderful, redemptive relationship with God, our heavenly Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit. This is the heart of the message we teach, this is the great gift we offer in charity to our neighbour: a share in the very life of God".
"Within the Church, believers' first steps along the way of Christ must always be accompanied by a sound catechesis that will allow them to flourish in faith, love and service. ... Recognizing that catechesis is distinct from theological speculation, priests, religious and lay catechists need to know how to communicate with clarity and loving devotion the life-transforming beauty of Christian living and teaching, which will enable and enrich the encounter with Christ himself. This is especially true of the preparation of the faithful to meet our Lord in the sacraments".
With reference to the particular situation in India, "which is home to various ancient religions, including Christianity", Benedict XVI emphasised that "the Christian life in such societies always demands honesty and sincerity about one's own beliefs, and respect for those of one's neighbour. The presentation of the Gospel in such circumstances, therefore, involves the delicate process of inculturation. ... The process of inculturation requires that priests, religious and lay catechists carefully employ the languages and appropriate customs of the people they serve in presenting the Good News". To this end, he encouraged the bishops to "oversee this process with a fidelity to the deposit of faith which has been handed down to us to maintain and transmit".
With regard to interreligious dialogue, the Pope remarked upon the "challenging circumstances many of you face as you develop a dialogue with those of other religious beliefs, all the while encouraging an atmosphere of tolerant interaction". He continued, "Your dialogue should be characterized by a constant regard for that which is true, in order to foster mutual respect while avoiding semblances of syncretism".
He added, "moreover, as Indian Christians strive to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours of other beliefs, your prudent leadership will be crucial in the civil and moral task of working to safeguard the fundamental human rights of freedom of religion and freedom of worship. As you know, these rights are based upon the common dignity of all human beings and are recognized throughout the concert of nations".
He emphasised that "the Catholic Church strives to promote these rights for all religions throughout the world" and concluded by encouraging the prelates "to work patiently to establish the common ground necessary for the harmonious enjoyment of these basic rights in your communities. Even if he encounters opposition, the Christian's own charity and forbearance should serve to convince others of the rightness of religious tolerance, from which the followers of all religions stand to gain".
AL/ VIS 20110516 (590)
HUMANIST CULTURAL SYNTHESIS OPEN TO TRANSCENDANCE
VATICAN CITY, 16 MAY 2011 (VIS) - At midday today, Benedict XVI received the participants in the World Conference promoted by the Pontifical Council "Justice and Peace" on the 50th anniversary of Blessed John XXIII's Encyclical "Mater at magistra".
In his discourse, the Pope stressed that "truth, love, justice, indicated by Mater et magistra, along with the principal of the universal destination of goods, as fundamental criteria for overcoming social and cultural imbalances, remain the pillars for interpreting and resolving the imbalances caused by today's globalisation. In the face of such imbalances there is a need to re-establish a 'whole reason' able to give rise to a rebirth of thought and ethics. ... It is necessary to develop 'humanistic cultural syntheses' open to transcendence through a 'new evangelisation'".
"The various examples of imbalance worldwide, characteristic of this age, feed other ills such as disparity, differences in wealth, inequality, which create problems in terms of justice and the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, especially in relation to the world's poorest".
The Pope remarked that "no less worrying are the phenomena linked to the financial system which, after the most acute phase of the recent crisis, has returned to the frenzied issue of credit contracts which frequently give rise to limitless speculation... similarly, the increase in price of primary energy resources... have negative consequences on the environment as well as on humans".
"The current social question", he added, "is without doubt that of world social justice... the equitable distribution of material and non-material resources, and the globalisation of substantial, social and participatory democracy". This justice, he continued, "cannot be achieved solely on the basis of mere social consensus, without recognising that this, in order to be long-lasting, must be rooted in universal human good".
Referring to the media for the diffusion of the Social Doctrine of the Church, the Pope remarked that the Church is important "also in the activities of its cultural associations, its programs of religious instruction and social catechesis in the parishes, in the mass media and the work of announcement and testimony on the part of lay persons, who must be spiritually, professionally and ethically prepared".
The Holy Father concluded by recalling that "there exist important institutions at the service of the new evangelisation, such as voluntary associations, Christian or Christian-inspired non-governmental organisations, the Commission "Justice and Peace", the offices for social and work problems and the Centres and Institutes for Social Doctrine".
AC/ VIS 20110516 (420)
In his discourse, the Pope stressed that "truth, love, justice, indicated by Mater et magistra, along with the principal of the universal destination of goods, as fundamental criteria for overcoming social and cultural imbalances, remain the pillars for interpreting and resolving the imbalances caused by today's globalisation. In the face of such imbalances there is a need to re-establish a 'whole reason' able to give rise to a rebirth of thought and ethics. ... It is necessary to develop 'humanistic cultural syntheses' open to transcendence through a 'new evangelisation'".
"The various examples of imbalance worldwide, characteristic of this age, feed other ills such as disparity, differences in wealth, inequality, which create problems in terms of justice and the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, especially in relation to the world's poorest".
The Pope remarked that "no less worrying are the phenomena linked to the financial system which, after the most acute phase of the recent crisis, has returned to the frenzied issue of credit contracts which frequently give rise to limitless speculation... similarly, the increase in price of primary energy resources... have negative consequences on the environment as well as on humans".
"The current social question", he added, "is without doubt that of world social justice... the equitable distribution of material and non-material resources, and the globalisation of substantial, social and participatory democracy". This justice, he continued, "cannot be achieved solely on the basis of mere social consensus, without recognising that this, in order to be long-lasting, must be rooted in universal human good".
Referring to the media for the diffusion of the Social Doctrine of the Church, the Pope remarked that the Church is important "also in the activities of its cultural associations, its programs of religious instruction and social catechesis in the parishes, in the mass media and the work of announcement and testimony on the part of lay persons, who must be spiritually, professionally and ethically prepared".
The Holy Father concluded by recalling that "there exist important institutions at the service of the new evangelisation, such as voluntary associations, Christian or Christian-inspired non-governmental organisations, the Commission "Justice and Peace", the offices for social and work problems and the Centres and Institutes for Social Doctrine".
AC/ VIS 20110516 (420)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
