Pope Urges Open Hearts for Aid Relief to Myanmar

(30 May 08 - RV) Pope Benedict received the bishops of Myanmar on Friday, after a week of one-on-one meetings with them, in which the pope and the leaders of the Church in Myanmar discussed the issues facing the faithful and all the people of the country.

The Catholic faithful in the country, also known as Burma, are only a tiny minority, though their efforts in behalf of the larger society have always been disproportionately large. In the ongoing efforts to provide aid and relief to the millions of Burmese affected by the recent cyclone, the Church has given critical assistance. Pope Benedict said the Church in Myanmar is known and admired for its solidarity with the poor and needy…

I am confident that under your guidance, the faithful will continue to demonstrate the possibility of establishing “a fruitful link between evangelization and works of charity” (Deus Caritas Est, 30), so that others will “experience the richness of their humanity” and that “God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (ibid., 31; cf. 1 Pt 4:8-11).

Vocations to the priesthood have been on the increase in Burma, as have vocations to the religious life, especially among women. Pope Benedict noted the trend with pleasure and encouraged the bishops to continue their work of support for those in religious life, and those responsible for the formation of priests and men and women religious.

Pope Benedict went on to say the Church’s mission to spread the Good News depends on a generous and prompt response from the lay faithful to become labourers in the vineyard (cf. Mt 20:1-16; 9:37-38).

They too are in need of a robust and dynamic Christian formation which will inspire them to carry the Gospel message to their workplaces, families, and to society at large (cf. Ecclesia in Asia, 22).

The Holy Father concluded by expressing his gratitude to the bishops for their faithful ministry in the midst of difficult circumstances and setbacks often beyond their control, and encouraged the bishops to take strength from the example of St. Paul, whose Jubilee Year opens in June.

Enlightened by the Holy Spirit, I invite you to join Saint Paul in the sure confidence that nothing—neither distress, or persecution, or famine, nor things present, nor things to come—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (cf. Rom 8:35-39). Commending you to the intercession of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing to you and to your clergy, Religious and lay faithful.