|
Vatican City, 12th December 2005 (CNA)
- During a meeting Saturday, with members of
consecrated religious communities and institutions
around Rome, Pope Benedict said that; absorbed by
things of this world, modern man needs their holy
example more than ever.
The meeting took place in the Vatican’s
Paul VI Hall, in the presence of some 8,000
consecrated people from the Diocese of Rome.
The Pope began by extending his “special
thoughts…to those living in monasteries of
contemplative life, who are spiritually united
with us" and "consecrated people from Africa,
Latin America and Asia currently studying in
Rome."
"As always," he said, "consecrated people
constitute a valuable presence in the life of the
Church of Rome, because they offer a unique
witness to the unity and universality of the
People of God.”
He added that “the complex social and
cultural context of our city ... demands from you
a constant attention to local concerns, as well as
a courageous faith in the charism that
distinguishes you.”
The Pope then recalled the origins of
consecrated life, saying that from the beginning,
it “has been characterized by a thirst for God.”
On this, he challenged his listeners not to
be afraid “of visibly showing yourselves as
consecrated people and ... demonstrating the fact
that you belong to Christ."
The Holy Father also noted the deep
involvement of consecrated people in various
diocesan programs and pastoral work, calling on
them to intensify loyalty to “their commitments,
the charisms of their institutes, and the
guidelines of the local Church.”
He
specifically thanked the umbrella groups which
represent them such as: the Italian Confederation
of Superiors Major, the Union of Italian Female
Superiors Major, the Group of Secular Institutes
and the Ordo Virginum.
"The Church has need of your witness,
“Benedict said, “of a consecrated life that faces
the challenges of today with courage and
creativity.”
“Faced with the advance of hedonism,” he
continued, “I ask of you the brave witness of
chastity. Faced with the thirst for money, your
sober life and your service to those in need,
reminds us that God is the authentic source of
wealth that never perishes.”
“Faced with individualism and
relativism...your fraternal life of obedience
confirms that your fulfillment comes through
God."
Continuing his reflections on the 40th
anniversary of the end of Vatican Council II, the
Pope concluded his message by noting the conciliar
Decree "Perfectae caritatis," dedicated to
consecrated life.
He said that: "Those living a consecrated
life live in the world, but their hearts are
directed beyond time; and to modern man, who is
often absorbed by the things of the world, they
bear witness that true destiny lies in God
Himself." |
