Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “ Through your teaching the Lord preserves your people from evil, ignorance and superstition, and transforms them into children of his Kingdom. Strive to build vibrant and expansive communities of men and women strong in their faith, contemplative and joyful in the liturgy”. This exhortation was addressed by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI to a group of Bishops of the Inter-territorial Conference of Gambia and Sierra Leone, received in audience on 29 April on occasion of their Ad Limina visit, with the Bishops of Liberia.
Recalling efforts to assist the family, the Pope urged the Bishops to “ promote the unity and well-being of the Christian family built on the sacrament of marriage", supporting "initiatives and associations dedicated to the sanctification of this basic community”. In particular the Pope mentioned the necessity to “ uphold the dignity of women in the context of human rights and defend your people against attempts to introduce an anti-birth mentality disguised as a form of cultural progress”.
A Bishop is called to ensure “ adequate discernment and preparation of vocations and to the ongoing formation of priests ”, who are the closest collaborators in the task of evangelisation, and this is why the Holy Father encouraged the Bishops to “ continue to lead them by word and example to be men of prayer, sound and clear in their teaching, mature and respectful in their dealings with others, faithful to their spiritual commitments and strong in compassion towards all in need. Likewise do not hesitate to invite missionaries from other countries to assist the good work being done by your clergy, religious and catechists.”
For her commitment to education, development and healthcare, offered to all without distinction, the Catholic Church is held in high regard by society "a tribute which speaks well of the vitality of your Christian charity”, the Pontiff underlined, expressing satisfaction especially for “ the assistance you offer to refugees and immigrants”.
“The struggle against poverty – Benedict XVI continued- must be carried out with respect for the dignity of all concerned by encouraging them to be the protagonists of their own integral development. Much good can be done through small-scale community engagements and microeconomic initiatives at the service of families.” The Pope encouraged the Bishops to "continue providing school programmes that prepare and motivate new generations to become responsible citizens, socially active for the good of their community and their country”, he voiced appreciation for the struggle against corruption, and underlined the need to give attention to the spiritual and moral formation of lay men and women for leadership, through courses in Catholic Social Doctrine.
Last of all the Holy Father called the Bishops attention to safeguarding the “great gift which is peace” and he said: “ I pray that the process of reconciliation in justice and truth, which you have rightly supported in the region, may produce lasting respect for all God-given human rights and defuse tendencies to retaliation and vengeance. In your service to peace continue to promote dialogue with other religions, especially with Islam, so as to sustain the existing good relations and forestall any form of intolerance, injustice or oppression, detrimental to the promotion of mutual trust. Working together in the defence of life and in the struggle against disease and malnutrition will not fail to build understanding, respect and acceptance.”
The Holy Father concluded reminding the Bishops of the “climate of dialogue and communion which must characterise the local Church: “ The Church as the sign and instrument of the one Family of God must bear clear witness to the love of Jesus our Lord and Saviour that extends beyond ethnic frontiers and embraces all men and women.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 3/05/2010)
