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Skriven 2007-04-05 07:54:10 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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                               VIS-Press releases

GOD CALLS PEOPLE TO SANCTITY IN THEIR DAILY WORK

VATICAN CITY, MAR 31, 2007 (VIS) - In the Paul VI Hall at midday today, the
Holy Father received 7,000 leaders and members of "Confartigianato," the
Italian Confederation of Artisans which was founded in 1946.

The Pope began his address to them by recalling that the confederation was
established "on the principle of free and open membership for all geographical,
sectorial and cultural components in the world of craftsmen and small industry,
... and has undoubtedly made a contribution to the construction of the modern
Italian State. ... If, until a few decades ago, the artisan brought to mind
something old and picturesque, ... today it rather means autonomy, creativity
and personalization in the production of goods and services."

After highlighting how work "pertains to the original condition of man," the
Holy Father said: "The Church, faithful to the Word of God, does not cease to
recall the principle that 'work is for man and not man for work.' She
ceaselessly proclaims the primacy of man over the work of his hands, and
recalls that the finality of all things - capital, science, technology, public
resources and even private property - must be the true progress of the human
person and the common good."

Benedict XVI then went on to quote the words used by Servant of God John Paul
II in his address to artisans during the Jubilee Year 2000: "You can restore
strength and concrete form to those values that have always characterized your
activities: the striving for quality, the spirit of initiative, the promotion
of artistic qualities, liberty and cooperation, the equitable relationship
between technology and the environment, the bond with the family and good
neighborly relations."

The Holy Father called on his audience to continue to protect "the artisanal
culture of production, which can create great opportunities for economic
progress and encounter between men and peoples. As Christians, may it be your
commitment to live and bear witness to the 'Gospel of work,' aware that the
Lord calls all the baptized to sanctity through their daily occupation.

"On this subject," the Pope added, "St. Josemaria Escriva, a saint of our own
times, noted: 'Since Christ took it into His hands, work has become for us a
redeemed and redemptive reality. Not only is the background of man's life, it
is a means and path of holiness. It is something to be sanctified and something
which sanctifies'."

The Holy Father concluded by assuring the members of Confartigianato that "in
the school of the Family of Nazareth you will more easily learn how to unite a
coherent life of faith with the efforts and difficulties of work, with personal
profit and with a commitment to solidarity towards those in need."
AC/CONFARTIGIANATO/...VIS 070402 (470)

SUMMARY

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