VATICAN - Pope Benedict XVI tells Pakistan’s Bishops: “...you exercise a special mission as preachers of the Gospel and as agents of love and peace in the Church and in society.”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “The seeds of the Gospel, sown in your region by zealous missionaries in the sixteenth century, continue to grow despite conditions that sometimes hinder their capacity to take root,” the Holy Father Benedict XVI told the Bishops of Pakistan in an audience held on June 19, during their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit.
The Pope encouraged the Bishops to strive “to create a climate of affection and trust with your clergy,” as they are “your principal and irreplaceable co-workers” and emphasized that: “by looking upon you as a father and brother and hearing your words of encouragement for their pastoral initiatives, they will be inspired to unite their will to yours and dedicate themselves more completely to the spiritual good of God’s people.” Benedict XVI then spoke of the centrality of the Eucharist, “both through the worthy celebration of the Lord’s Supper and in silent adoration of the Sacrament” that “should be especially apparent in the lives of priests and Bishops.” Thus, they will be able to lead the laity “to follow your example and come to a deeper appreciation for the Lord’s abiding presence among them.” After expressing his joy for the various programs that the Bishops of Pakistans have initiated “to raise awareness of the radical change that becomes possible when Christians allow their entire life to take on a ‘eucharistic form,’” Benedict XVI pointed out that “the breaking of the bread reminds us again and again that the absurdity of violence never has the last word, for Christ has conquered sin and death through his glorious resurrection.”
Mentioning the ecclesial movements that show particular signs of vitality, the Pope asked the Bishops to invite the members of these movements and all faithful “to listen attentively to the word of God and to cultivate a habit of daily prayer, may your people foster genuine fellowship and create ever expanding networks of charitable solicitude for their neighbors.”
Another reason to thank the Lord was for the successful work of the seminaries, which are “vital institutions for the future of the Church in Pakistan.” The Pope the encouraged the Bishops, saying, “Never doubt that your investment of human and material resources will ensure a solid formation for your candidates for the priesthood. Generous collaborators are also to be found among members of religious orders who can help to enhance programs of priestly formation and strengthen bonds of cooperation between religious and diocesan clergy. Of particular urgency at the present time is the task of preparing these men – and indeed all catechists and lay leaders – to become effective promoters of interreligious dialogue. They share a responsibility with all Christians in Pakistan to foster understanding and trust with members of other religions by constructing peaceful forums for open conversation.”
At the end of his speech, Benedict XVI mentioned some of the various Catholic institutions that “continue to serve the common good of the Pakistani people,” showing that “the love of Christ is no mere abstraction, but reaches out to every man and woman as it passes through real persons working in the Church’s charitable institutions... Those who serve in Catholic hospitals, schools, social and charitable agencies respond to the concrete needs of others, knowing well that they are ministering to the Lord himself through their particular acts of charity... Priests, religious and the lay faithful in your Dioceses, by caring for the sick, helping young people grow in knowledge and virtue, and meeting the needs of the poor, reveal the human face of God’s love for each and every person. May their encounter with the living Christ awaken in their hearts a desire to share with others the joy of living in God’s presence.” The Pope concluded, encouraging the Bishops of Pakistan to continue to exercise their “special mission as preachers of the Gospel and as agents of love and peace in the Church and in society.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 20/6/2008)