.- On
Saturday morning, Pope Benedict XVI met with delegates taking part in
an international congress marking the 40th anniversary of the Vatican
Council II Decree "Ad gentes. He told them that the Church “in our
time” is called to serve humanity, always trusting completely in the
person of Jesus Christ.
The congress,
being held in Rome, has been organized by the Vatican’s Congregation
for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Pontifical Urban University.
The Holy Father
recalled that the Church’s approval of this decree, on December 7, 1965
gave "renewed impulse" to the Church's mission, which was recognized as
being "a constituent element of her very nature."
He went on,
pointing out that the main service that Christians can render both to
individuals and the human race as a whole is "to announce and bear
witness to the Gospel."
The Pope then
quoted the words of his predecessor, John Paul II, who said that "the
'mission ad gentes' seems at times to slow down, because of
difficulties due to the changing anthropological, cultural, social and
religious environment of mankind," adding that, "The Church today is
called to face up to new challenges and is ready to enter into dialogue
with different cultures and religions seeking, together with all people
of good will, to construct peaceful coexistence among peoples.”
He added that
“indeed, not just distant lands and non-Christian peoples, but also
socio-cultural environments and, above all, hearts, are the true
beneficiaries of the missionary activity of the People of God."
The Holy Father
also stressed that "the Church is called to serve the humanity of our
time, trusting only in Jesus, allowing herself to be illuminated by His
Word and imitating Him in giving herself generously to our brothers and
sisters.”
“She is an
instrument in His hands,” he said, “and for this reason does what she
can, aware that it is always the Lord Who achieves everything."
He added that
"With the contribution of all Christians, the announcement of the
Gospel will surely become more widely-understood and effective,” and
asked that “Mary, the Star of evangelization,” might “give help and
support to those who, in so many regions of the world, work on the
outlying frontiers of the mission."
The Pope concluded his address by calling to mind those who "even in recent times, have given their lives for the Gospel.”
“May their sacrifice”, he said, “bring a renewed springtime, one rich in apostolic fruits for evangelization."
Not just distant lands, but hearts are main beneficiaries of Church’s missionary activity, says Pope
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