(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.