Vatican City, Nov 20, 2008 / 08:33 am
Pope Benedict XVI today told members of the Vatican Congregation dedicated to helping consecrated religious that monastic life must challenge the faithful to love God before all else. The Holy Father also pointed to the Scriptures as the way to deepen love for God.
Addressing the full assembly of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, which is celebrating its hundredth anniversary, Pope Benedict turned to the theme of the meeting: "Monastic life and its significance in the Church and the world today."
Those who are consecrated are a "special part of the People of God," the Holy Father said, as he encouraged the Congregation to continue "supporting and protecting their faithfulness to the divine call."
Benedict XVI then focused on a theme that he first raised during his visit to France this past September—"seeking God," or in Latin, "quaerere Deum."