Vatican City, Jun 30, 2009 / 14:29 pm
Pope Benedict XVI received bishops on Saturday from the Episcopal Conference of Vietnam who have just completed their "ad limina" visit, during which bishops report to the Pope on the status of their dioceses. In speaking to them, the Holy Father called on them to be faithful witnesses to Christ, despite the resistance they encounter.
The Pope addressed the prelates, calling to mind Cardinal Paul Joseph Phan Ding, the former archbishop of Hanoi who died in February. He also expressed his hope that "the example of sanctity, humility and simplicity of life of the great pastors of your country may stimulate you in your pastoral ministry at the service of the Vietnamese people, to whom goes my profound esteem."
Benedict then spoke about the Year for Priests, saying that "in order to be reliable guides who conform to the heart of God and the teaching of the Church, priests must develop an interior life and tend towards sanctity, like the humble Cure of Ars."
The Pope reminded the bishops that in their pastoral letter last year, they “dedicated particular attention to the lay faithful, highlighting the role of their vocation in the family." With this in mind, the Holy Father instructed them to "pay particular attention to their correct formation, promoting their life of faith ... that they may effectively serve the Church and society."