Spanish cardinal calls on priests to defend faithful against imposition of secular culture

Toledo, Spain, Apr 12, 2006 / 12:00 am MT (CNA).- The archbishop of Toledo, Spain, Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera called on priests this week to come to the defense of their flocks against the imposition of an increasingly secular culture.

During the celebration of the annual Chrism Mass, the cardinal said everyone was aware of the ongoing attempts to change society and culture.  Secularism, the breakdown of values, the eradication of the Christian roots of society, dissent in the Church all require that “we priests place ourselves in front of the flock as good shepherds and defend, even to the point of sacrificing our own persons,” those “that have been entrusted to us.”

Priests should provide the faithful with the spiritual nourishment they need and lead them to “the fountains of living water,” especially “young people, who are most in need at this time.”

“Preaching right doctrine in season and out of season is key at this moment, as well as strengthening the unbreakable ecclesial communion with the Pope and defending the family,” he said.

Therefore, the cardinal encouraged priests to strongly promote participation in the World Meeting of Families with Pope Benedict XVI, due to be held in Valencia.