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Skriven 2007-05-28 17:49:22 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service - Press Release
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                               VIS-Press releases

EVANGELIZATION, THE MAIN PRIORITY FOR MOZAMBIQUE

VATICAN CITY, MAY 26, 2007 (VIS) - Today in the Vatican, Benedict XVI received
bishops from the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique who have just completed
their "ad limina" visit.

The Pope greeted the older prelates, while to those recently consecrated he
expressed the hope that, with their "youthful energies, they may contribute to
the growth of evangelizing activities" in Mozambique.

"As you were told on the day of your episcopal consecration," he went on, "you
are responsible for announcing the Word of God throughout the area entrusted to
you." The bishop's responsibilities also include, he added, "formation in
prayer and preparation for the Sacraments, that they may be decorously
administered to Christian people," as well as a concern for "the organic unity
of the diocese and its charitable, educational and apostolic institutions."

"Obviously, this pastoral service depends upon your presence, as often as
possible, in all the communities of your dioceses and on your pastoral
attention to people's living conditions, both human and religious. In
particular, priests need you to visit and to receive them, they need your
guidance and counsel."

The Holy Father also mentioned the "immense task" facing Mozambican bishops in
"evangelizing more than half the population," highlighting how all Christians
must "collaborate to bring this about. One providential means to this end ...
are the ecclesial movements and new communities," he added.

In this mission "it is important to deepen the faith using all the means at
your disposal," from the catechesis of young people and adults to meetings and
liturgy, with the consequent inculturation these activities bring. Indeed,
without inculturation "it would not be possible to impregnate ancestral customs
with the Christian spirit," and "respectful dialogue with other religions would
be difficult."

"A profound and committed faith renews people's behavior in their social and
professional lives," and consequently also renews "the fabric of society. ...
Christians must contribute to overcoming injustices, ... helping the most
needy, ... and promoting tolerance and reconciliation."

"This," said Pope Benedict, "is a vitally important ethical task for the nation
and as pastors it is your duty to inspire and sustain it, always preserving
your own freedom -which is the Church's freedom on her prophetic mission - and
maintaining a clear distinction between this pastoral mission and the ...
programs of political leaders."

The Pope then went on to consider the "great lack" of priests in the country, a
situation that calls for "investment in the pastoral care of vocations." He
also recognized the efforts of catechists who, he said, need "careful training"
for their work and "special help to assume their responsibility of bearing
witness to the faith in the face of the cultural evolution of their brothers
and sisters."

"The evangelization of Christian life and the increase of vocations depend upon
families ... accepting as a model the requirements and grace of Christian
marriage. I know that there is no lack of difficulties due to the limitations
of certain ancient customs, as well as to the instability of homes which have
to face harsh trials from a society in which sensuality and individualism
predominate."

Finally, the Holy Father recalled the numerous areas in which the pastoral
solicitude of Mozambican bishops is required: "assistance to the poor and the
marginalized, countering the advance of sects, and developing the social
communications media. ... The questions upon which we have touched," he added,
"represent a challenge that requires great efforts considering the limited
apostolic resources available to you, even calling on priests and religious
from other countries who, I hope, will prove generous."

"I am sure you will overcome these challenges thanks to the faith and
determination that motivate you," he concluded. "Treasure your experience,
interpret it in harmony with the signs of the times and relative to the needs
of your people, moved always by a spirit of faithfulness to the Church."
AL/.../MOZAMBIQUEVIS 070528 (650)

SUMMARY

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