Holy Father encourages Brazilians to renew evangelization on anniversary

Sao Paulo, Brazil, Jun 10, 2008 / 11:23 am

In a message to the Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Cardinal Odilo Scherer, Pope Benedict XVI encouraged Brazilians to continue proclaiming the word of God “with evangelical faith and charity.”

 

Pope Benedict sent his message to the Brazilians to mark the 100th anniversary of the archdiocese. On this great occasion, the Holy Father wrote that he joins with them “in a joyous song of thanksgiving to the Lord for the fruits of Christian life that He has blessed this local Church with” and that “constitute a significant phase in the history of a church.”

 

After noting the special “evangelical and prophetic” call that Sao Paulo has, the Pontiff offered “fervent prayers to the Almighty God” that the celebration would inspire the local church to renewed evangelization, the “diligent proclamation of the Word of God” and “an intelligent and generous effort to defend the family and the life of every human being.”

 

The Holy Father also offered his prayers for the well being and happiness of the people of the Archdiocese of Sao Paulo. State and local officials were also included in the Pontiff’s prayers so that they may continue “looking out for the common good,” especially for “the infirm, the poor and abandoned,” and that they may contribute fostering peace and progress in Brazil.

 

The Pope concluded his message imparting his Apostolic Blessing to the Archdiocese.