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Skriven 2006-10-14 00:59:24 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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                               VIS-Press releases

SERVE THE LORD WITH DETACHMENT FROM THE WORLD

VATICAN CITY, OCT 13, 2006 (VIS) - This morning, the Pope received prelates
from the Zambia Episcopal Conference who have just completed their five-yearly
"ad limina" visit. Addressing them in English, the Holy Father told the bishops
that his individual meetings with them over the days of their visit had led him
to a "deeper appreciation of the Catholic Church in your country: her joys, her
difficulties and her hopes."

"I encourage you," the Holy Father continued, "to urge your people to dedicate
themselves to prayer and holiness, discovering the treasure of a life built on
faith in Christ. ... The light of holiness that shines forth in those who have
discovered this treasure is enkindled at the moment of Baptism. In Baptism
Christ liberates the believer from the dominion of sin, freeing him from an
existence filled with fear and superstition and calling him to a new life."

Pope Benedict then called on the bishops to instruct the faithful "in the value
and the practice of prayer, especially liturgical prayer, where in a sublime
way the Church is united with Christ the High Priest in His eternal
intercession for the salvation of the world. Moreover, the Catholic Church
encourages the faithful to practise popular forms of piety. Therefore, always
teach your people the value of the intercession of the saints, who are the
great friends of Jesus, and particularly the special intercession of Mary, His
Mother, who is always attentive to our needs."

He then went on to consider the prelates' duty to guide the faithful "on the
way that leads to sanctity ... with wise advice, unwavering resolve and
paternal affection," and highlighted the importance of guidance "in your
dealings with your brother priests, who at times can be led astray by the many
temptations of contemporary society. As pastors and fathers to your co-workers
in the vineyard, you must always communicate to them the joy of serving the
Lord with a proper detachment from the things of this world."

"We believe that the Church is holy. When you urge your priests to live holy
lives in accordance with their calling, when you preach generous love and
fidelity in marriage and when you exhort everybody to practise the works of
mercy, remind them of the Lord's own words: 'You are the light of the world.'
... Show Christ's compassion especially for the poor, for refugees, for the
sick and for all who suffer.

"At the same time," he concluded, "in your teaching continue to proclaim the
need for honesty, family affection, discipline and fidelity, all of which have
a decisive impact on the health and stability of society."
AL/.../ZAMBIA VIS 061013 (450)

SUMMARY

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