Pope Reflects on Challenges and Treasures of Consecrated Life

(19 Feb 08 - RV )Pope Benedict XVI’s address delivered yesterday to members of the executive committee of the International Union of Superiors General was made public today.

In remarks to the Group the Pope noted the increasing difficulties of announcing the Gospel in modern globalised society, where the process of secularisation in contemporary culture does not, spare even religious communities”.

“Nonetheless", he added, "we must not be discouraged, because there also exist signs of a providential reawakening which gives rise to consolation and hope”.

The Holy Father pointed to new forms of consecrated life growing in the Church, which emphasise “generous dedication to the needy and particular attention to the spiritual poverty of the modern age".

The Pope also noted how "the orders and congregations with a long tradition in the Church", have suffered a "difficult crisis due to the ageing of members, a fall in vocations and, sometimes, a spiritual and charismatic 'weariness'".

Although describing this crisis as "worrying", Pope Benedict XVI highlighted certain positive signs, "especially when communities have chosen to return to the origins and live in a way more in keeping with the spirit of the founder”.

Concluding the Pope said “It is along this road that we must continue, praying to the Lord to bring to full fruition the work He began".