Text 1040, 76 rader
Skriven 2006-02-07 11:48:38 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
===================================================
Hello All!

                The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                          Vatican Information Service.
                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                               VIS-Press releases

TO THE CONGOLESE BISHOPS: BE PROPHETS OF JUSTICE AND PEACE

VATICAN CITY, FEB 6, 2006 (VIS) - Pope Benedict XVI today received the second
group of bishops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who have just
finished their "ad limina" visit. The Pope asked the prelates to transmit to
their diocese his "spiritual closeness," reminding them that they were invited
"with all the inhabitants of the country to mobilize for peace and
reconciliation after years of war that resulted, especially in your region, in
millions of victims."

"The work for peace," continued the Holy Father, "is a net thrown over the
evangelical mission of the bishop. Your reports describe the difficult
conditions in which you undertake your ministry...this year, in which your
local Church was consecrated to the Blessed Anuarite Nengapeta, I desire that
the imperative to love mobilize us and, for the holiness of your lives and for
the dynamic ministry that animates you, that you be prophets of justice and
peace."

"It is important that you dedicate yourselves to the demanding work of
radiating the Gospel in your culture, respecting the authentic and rich values
of the Africans, but at the same time purifying that which is incompatible with
the Gospel...Build up the family of the Church in your countries, as it is in
other places, it is a difficult task, but I know that a dynamic apostolic
fervor animates you. It is satisfying that the Congolese Episcopal
Conference...has not spared efforts to open up within their hearts and
consciences paths of reconciliation and fraternal communion."

Focusing on the theme of national reconciliation, the Pope expressed the desire
that good fruits may come from "the campaign undertaken by those responsible
from other religious confessions to propose for all citizens a civic
education." "The Church is called to participate in this work, taking the place
that corresponds to you according to your vocation" and "to propose specific
formation and training for the politicians of the country. It serves to reflect
on the rich patrimony of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, one can
reflect on his obligation in the service of the common good and keep in mind
its moral challenges to work for the construction of just institutions for the
renewal of society. "

Pope Benedict XVI later invited the prelates to utilize, for the diffusion of
the Gospel in their country "the means of social communication, in particular
the radio and television...especially to limit the activities of those sects
who utilize the profusion of new technologies for the purpose of attracting and
confusing the faithful."

Another pastoral priority is "the evangelization of the family. The movement of
the displaced and the refugees, the pandemic of AIDS, and also a notable
mutations of contemporary society, have transformed many families, and weakened
the institution of the family." The Pope highlighted the importance of
encouraging Catholics to preserve and promote family values and to give a
balanced human and spiritual formation to those preparing for marriage.

The Holy Father had words of thanks for those consecrated who "in extreme
conditions decide to remain on the side of those among the population who
endure severe tests and hardships, giving them help, counsel and spiritual
support." He also mentioned the condition of the youth and referred to the need
for "pastoral initiatives that allow for the human and spiritual reconstruction
of the children on the street and those children who are soldiers" and he asked
the bishops and the Catholic schools to nourish the faith and hope of the young
generation.

"I reach out to the international community" concluded Pope Benedict XVI, "that
they may not forget about Africa and that they may take brave action and
decisions to consolidate the political and economic stability of Africa."
AL/.../DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO VIS 060206 (630)

SUMMARY

--- MPost/386 v1.21
 * Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS New Orleans 1-504-897-6006 USR 33.6k (1:396/45)