Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “After more than a century, evangelization has already borne abundant fruit, visible through many signs of the vitality of the Church-God's family in your countries. May a new missionary zeal enliven your community, so that the Gospel message is fully accepted and faithfully lived." That is the appeal that was made by Pope Benedict XVI to the Bishops of Burkina Faso and Niger, whom he received in audience on March 20, during their visit ad Limina Apostolorum.
In his speech, the Pope said that "faith always needs to strengthen its roots," and welcomed the commitment "to a healthy inculturation of faith," and encouraged them to continue in the "missionary effort of solidarity" toward the sister Churches on the continent. Other signs of hope were shown in the efforts made by the Church to combat "the evils that prevent populations to achieve real development and the promotion of solidarity towards all and especially the most in need."
Citing the context of the Year for Priests, the Holy Father expressed the wish that every priest be guaranteed a solid education, not only during his preparation for ordination, but for his entire ministry, "because it is essential" that the priest can devote time to deepening in his priestly life, to avoid falling into activism...May the example of John Mary Vianney awaken in the hearts of your priests, to whom I pay tribute for their brave missionary activity, a renewed awareness of their total gift to Christ and the Church, powered by a fervent prayer life and passionate love of the Lord Jesus!"
Particular expressions of thanks and encouragement were then addressed by the Pope to catechists, "necessary collaborators of the priests in proclaiming the Gospel," who "have a key role not only in the first evangelization and the catechumenate, but also in the animation and in support of the community." This is why the dioceses are making considerable efforts to ensure their human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation" and the Pope also encouraged them to meet their material needs, “so they can lead a dignified life.”
Also regarding formation, Benedict XVI urged the bishops of Burkina Faso and Niger to care for the formation of the laity, so that they can "take responsibility in the Church and society and be authentic witnesses of the Gospel in them" and "pay particular attention to the political and intellectual elite of your countries, who are often confronted with ideologies opposed to a Christian conception of man and society." In particular, he mentioned the pastoral care of young people through the strengthening of the school and university chaplaincy.
The last topic touched by the Pope was on interreligious relations: the good stable climate established “can deepen the bonds of esteem and friendship, as well as cooperation among all segments of society... Thus, teaching the younger generation the fundamental values of respect and brotherhood will foster mutual understanding." The Pope then expressed the hope that they continue to strengthen the bonds that unite Christians and Muslims in particular, "in order to advance in peace and justice and promote the common good, rejecting any temptation to violence or intolerance!" (SL) (Agenzia Fides 22/3/2010)
