(06 Mar 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI received the Bishops of Guatemala Thursday who
are in Rome on their five yearly Ad Limina visit.
The plight
of poverty and violence, the importance of missionary commitment and precious collaboration
of priests were the themes at the heart of Pope Benedict XVI’s address to the group
of bishops from the central American nation Thursday.
The Pope expressed his
concern for “the increase in poverty and violence which effects a great part of the
population, resulting in massive numbers emigrating to other nations”, with grave
consequences in the spheres of personal and family life.
Another challenge
posed by the Pope is the spreading of sects across the territory.
“God”,
he said “has blessed the Guatemalan people with a deeply religious sentiment, rich
in popular expression which has matured into a solid Christian community”. “A sound
faith and participation in the sacraments can only strengthen the Faithfull’s resistance
to the risk of sects and charismatic groups which aim to disorientate and undermine
the ecclesial community”.
Pope Benedict XVI noted that Guatemalan tradition
and culture emphasises family values. The “family” he pointed out “is the nuclease
of society, the foundation of existence and faith transmission”. “But” he added “today
it is facing increasing pastoral and human challenges”.
The Pope said that
in this light the “priceless” collaboration of priests is needed, because they “are
true men of prayer” and as such must be encouraged to accompany the faithful closely
on their journey”. To this ends the Pope urged that the Bishops make human and theological
formation for religious a priority.
Pope Benedict concluded by recalling
the II Missionary Congress of the Americas, held in Guatemala in 2003 urging that
the missionary impetus be intensified particularly among indigenous peoples, so that
through the words and examples of the Bishops religious and lay faithful, “the Church
may continue to shine as a source of hope for all”.