Vatican City, Mar 6, 2008 / 09:20 am
In a meeting with the bishops of Guatemala today, Pope Benedict encouraged them in their efforts to reach their people with the Gospel in the midst of trying conditions.
"Your pastors' hearts", the Pope told the bishops, "are filled with concern for the increase in violence and poverty that affects large numbers of the population and causes extensive emigration to other countries, with grave repercussions on personal and family life. This situation is an invitation for you to renew your efforts to show everyone the merciful face of the Lord, of whom the Church is called to be the image, accompanying and serving with generosity and dedication, especially those who suffer and are most in need".
The Holy Father also emphasized that the forms of popular devotion practiced by the Guatemalan people “must mature into solid Christian communities".
As various Protestant groups make inroads in the Central American country, the Pope called on the bishops to promote "firmness in the faith and participation in the Sacraments”. When the faithful are enriched and strengthened by the faith then they are protected from “the risk posed by sects or by supposedly charismatic groups, which create disorientation and can even endanger ecclesial communion," the Pontiff said.