(29 Apr - RV) Pope Benedict XVI today received prelates from Gambia, Liberia and Sierra
Leone, who have just completed their "ad limina" visit. Speaking in English
the Pope referred to the bishops' five-yearly reports, telling them of his pleasure
at their efforts "to preach the Gospel at confirmations, in your visits to parishes,
when meeting with groups of priests, religious or lay people and in your pastoral
letters". "Strive to build", he went on, "vibrant and expansive communities of
men and women strong in their faith, contemplative and joyful in the liturgy, and
well instructed on 'how to live in the way that pleases God'. In an environment marked
by divorce and polygamy, promote the unity and well-being of the Christian family
built on the Sacrament of Marriage. Initiatives and associations dedicated to the
sanctification of this basic community deserve your full support. Continue to uphold
the dignity of women in the context of human rights and defend your people against
attempts to introduce an anti-birth mentality disguised as a form of cultural progress. "Your
mission also requires that you give attention to the adequate discernment and preparation
of vocations and to the ongoing formation of priests, who are your closest collaborators
in the task of evangelisation", he added. "Continue to lead them by word and example
to be men of prayer, sound and clear in their teaching, mature and respectful in their
dealings with others, faithful to their spiritual commitments and strong in compassion
towards all in need. Likewise do not hesitate to invite missionaries from other countries
to assist the good work being done by your clergy, religious and catechists". The
Holy Father went on: "I appreciate in a special way the assistance you offer to refugees
and immigrants and I urge you to seek, when possible, pastoral co-operation from their
countries of origin. The struggle against poverty must be carried out with respect
for the dignity of all concerned by encouraging them to be the protagonists of their
own integral development. Much good can be done through small-scale community engagements
and microeconomic initiatives at the service of families. In developing and sustaining
such strategies, improved education will always be a decisive factor". "You rightly
encourage people in positions of authority to lead in the struggle against corruption
by calling attention to the gravity and injustice of such sins. In this regard, the
spiritual and moral formation of lay men and women for leadership, through specialised
courses in Catholic Social Doctrine, is an important contribution to the common good". Benedict
XVI commended the bishops "for your attention to the great gift which is peace. I
pray that the process of reconciliation in justice and truth, which you have rightly
supported in the region, may produce lasting respect for all God-given human rights
and defuse tendencies to retaliation and vengeance. "In your service to peace continue
to promote dialogue with other religions, especially with Islam, so as to sustain
the existing good relations and forestall any form of intolerance, injustice or oppression,
detrimental to the promotion of mutual trust. Working together in the defence of life
and in the struggle against disease and malnutrition will not fail to build understanding,
respect and acceptance. Above all, a climate of dialogue and communion must characterise
the local Church. By your own example", the Pope concluded, "lead your priests, religious
and lay faithful to grow in understanding and cooperation, in listening to one another
and in sharing initiatives".