Pope Benedict XVI’s Discourse to the Members of the Pontifical Council for the Laity
(November 15, 2008) The Catholic laity refers to countless people baptized, engaged in numerous and varied situations to grow as disciples and witnesses of the Lord and discover and experience the beauty of truth and the joy of being a Christian. The current cultural and social condition makes it even more urgent for this apostolate to share the treasure of grace and holiness, charity, doctrine, culture and works, which comprises the riches of Catholic tradition, said Pope Benedict XVI. He was addressing the Members of the Pontifical Council for the Laity on Saturday, 15th of November in Rome. The Holy Father spoke on the theme chosen "Twenty years from now the memories, development, new challenges and responsibilities of the Christian Faithful” that leads directly to the service to which the Congregation is called to offer to the Church and the lay faithful all over the world. The Pope then spoke of the "vocation and mission of the laity in the Church and the world," which came from the proposals of the 1987 Synod of Bishops on the dignity of the Christians, their call to holiness and their ecclesial communion. The Holy Father expressed his appreciation to the Pontifical Council for the Laity, in a very special way, for the work done during past decades in their task to accept, accompany, discern, recognize and encourage the Church, promoting the deepening of their Catholic identity, helping to enter more fully in the great tradition and in the life of the Church, and complying it with their development mission. The Pope showed his joy over their commitment to issues of special importance, such as the dignity and participation of women in the life of the Church and society, equal dignity of men and women, sanctity of married life and family and their service to the Gospel. The Holy Father called the Pontifical Council to follow with diligent pastoral care training, and witness the collaboration of lay faithful in all situations when it comes to the true human quality of life in society, with professional competence and passion service for the common good.
Pope Benedict XVI’s Discourse to the Members of the Pontifical Council for the Laity
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