Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dacca (Agenzia Fides) - “We are sad for what has happened and we express to the Holy Father our affection and closeness even if we are thousands of miles away. The episode of the cancelled visit to La Sapienza University reveals a sense of confusion in Italian society and culture, where new evangelisation must continue ”: said Italian Xaverian missionary Fr. Silvano Garello in Dacca who was speaking on behalf of his community which will be spiritually present in St Peter's Square on Sunday 20 January, with Romans and visitors to express closeness and gratitude to the Pope. Fr. Garello told Fides “the Holy Father had the same experience of St Paul in Athens when he wanted to announce the truth but they would not listen”. From the small missionary community from one of the poorest countries in the world, the Xaverians are close to the Holy Father certain he will “go ahead in Hope to announce Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life”.
Fr. Garello read the discourse Benedict XVI intended to give at the University and found his words “wise, correct and balanced”. The fact is “man of today has no desire to reflect on important issues and the Truth of life. The Pope's voice calls attention to these matters. A society often manoeuvred by the media, wants only a 'comfortable religion' and so for many the words of the Pope are not welcome”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/1/2008 righe 25 parole 253)
