Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) - “Living in God”: is the motto, taken from the 2nd Letter of St Paul to the Corinthians, for the programme of Germany’s 95th «Katholikentag» being held in Ulm, diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart. For the occasion Pope John Paul sent a message addressed to the Bishop Gebhard Fürst of Rottenburg-Stuttgart in which he says: “During the events of this great meeting of Catholics, but at which also many other Christians are present, I urge you as Christian believers to lift your voice courageously when the foundations of the Christian faith and human co-existence are questioned, when the values of Christian matrimony and family are put aside and when the uniqueness of life as a gift of God is endangered! Encourage one another to renew commitment for the poor and the excluded, for peace and justice all over the world! Be for all men and women witnesses of the hope which is in your hearts.”
Referring to Ulm, a city on the banks of the great River Danube which brings together eastern and western Europe, the Pope speaks of growing awareness of European identity and the recent joining of ten more nations as members of the European Union. “Europe is not simply a casual union of states linked geographically - the Pope writes in his message -. Europe, despite its many cultures, must become more and more, on the basis of human and Christian values, a unity of spirit which inspires the actions of its people. Let us take therefore the opportunities offered by the united Europe to spread better the Gospel of Christ so that no one is deprived of the exceptional gift of God’s salvation! Christian have worked for a united Europe and they continue to do so. Still today Europe needs the contribution of Christians and Christianity for the healthy development of its peoples.”
Lastly the Pope calls on those taking part in the event to let themselves be filled with “God’s energy which illuminates and liberates”: “He wishes to give us his own divine life and the love and strength we need to put ourselves at the service of others and bear witness to our common faith in time and in society”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 17/6/2004; Righe 25 - Parole 353)
