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Skriven 2005-12-13 06:17:24 av Marc Lewis (1:396/45)
Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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                The following press release is Copyrighted by the
                          Vatican Information Service.
                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                               VIS-Press releases

TO CONSECRATED PEOPLE: FACE MODERN LIFE WITH COURAGE

VATICAN CITY, DEC 10, 2005 (VIS) - Today in the Paul VI Hall, Benedict XVI
received 8,000 religious and members of secular institutes and societies of
apostolic life from the diocese of Rome.

The Pope, greeting participants in the audience, said: "My special thoughts go
out to those living in monasteries of contemplative life, who are spiritually
united with us" and "consecrated people from Africa, Latin America and Asia
currently studying in Rome."

"As always," he continued, "consecrated people constitute a valuable presence
in the life of the Church of Rome, because they offer a unique witness to the
unity and universality of the People of God. ... The complex social and
cultural context of our city ... demands from you a constant attention to local
concerns, as well as a courageous faith in the charism that distinguishes you.
From its origins, consecrated life has been characterized by a thirst for God.
... Do not be afraid of visibly showing yourselves as consecrated people and
... demonstrating the fact that you belong to Christ."

The Holy Father then recalled how consecrated people are "deeply involved in
diocesan programs" and collaborate in pastoral work, thanks also to the
activities of groups that represent them such as: the Italian Confederation of
Superiors Major, the Union of Italian Female Superiors Major, the Group of
Secular Institutes and the Ordo Virginum. Benedict XVI called on consecrated
people to continue this work with intensified loyalty to their commitments, the
charisms of their institutes and the guidelines of the local Church.

"The Church has need of your witness, of a consecrated life that faces the
challenges of today with courage and creativity. Faced with the advance of
hedonism, I ask of you the brave witness of chastity. Faced with the thirst for
money, your sober life and your service to those in need reminds us that God is
the authentic source of wealth that never perishes. Faced with individualism
and relativism, ... your fraternal life of obedience confirms that your
fulfillment comes through God."

The Pope concluded by recalling the 40th anniversary of the promulgation of the
conciliar Decree "Perfectae caritatis," dedicated to consecrated life and
affirmed that: "Those living a consecrated life live in the world, but their
hearts are directed beyond time; and to modern man, who is often absorbed by
the things of the world, they bear witness that true destiny lies in God
Himself."
AC/CONSECRATED PEOPLE/ROME VIS 051212 (420)

SUMMARY

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