2008-10-02 13:36:47

Pope Benedict XVI’s Address to the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Central Asia in Ad Limina visit


(October 2, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI said that despite the heavy pressure during the years of communist and atheist regime, the dedicated work of zealous priests, religious and laity, the flame of faith has been turned on in the hearts of believers. The community may be reduced to a "little flock" but they should not be discouraged. The Holy Father was addressing the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Central Asia, on Thursday, 2nd of October during their Ad Limina Visit. Ad Limina visit is the five yearly visit of the Bishops to Rome to visit the tombs of the Apostles and at the same time to give the full account of their Dioceses to the Holy Father. He reminded them of the first community of disciples of the Lord, which, although small, are not closed in upon themselves, but, driven by love of Christ, announced and witnessed the Gospel with joy. The Pope asked them to look with patience and courage, new forms and methods of apostolate, anxious to update them according to today's needs, taking into account the language and culture of the faithful entrusted to them. The Holy Father then pointed to the challenges posed by the globalised society regarding the proclamation and practice of Christian life in their region. In addition he mentioned of the difficulty that exists almost everywhere in the world which poses serious threat to security and peace, namely, the scourge of violence and terrorism, the spread of extremism and fundamentalism. He called on them to face it courageously, and considering that the profession of their faith is a universally recognised human right. The Pope then expressed his gratitude to each one of them and the members of the community, specifically, the Franciscans, Jesuits, oblates of Mary Immaculate and others who work in those difficult areas and to tell them all that the Pope is next to them and supports them in their ministry.







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