(20 Sep 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI spoke today to participants in the course for
newly appointed bishops organised by the Congregation for the Evangelization of the
People.
We have this report...
Pope Benedict
XVI began with a reminder that we are currently in the Pauline Year, during which
the Church explores the missionary spirit and charismatic personality of Saint Paul,
widely recognised as the great Apostle of the people.
The Holy Father observed
how this notion of a master of the people has a forward-thrust into the future, projecting
the Apostle onto all peoples and all generations.
The Pope said Saint Paul
is therefore not just a figure of the past to be venerated but also our master. He
added that from him we must learn how to look for the light and the grace of Christ
to announce the Good News today, and from him we must learn to travel tirelessly through
the modern world, bringing the word of Christ to those who have already opened their
hearts to him, as well as those who do not yet know him.
Pope Benedict compared
the life of his Pastors to that of the Apostle Paul, in that their work is vast and
complex. Geographically, their Dioceses are spread far and wide, and often isolated.
Furthermore, they increasingly have to face forces of de-Christianisation, religious
indifference, secularism and relativism of values.
Moreover, there are
times when Pastors have to defend their flock in the face of persecution and violence.
In response, the Pope exhorts his bishops to not be afraid or discouraged
by these obstacles, that can at times seem great. Rather they should be inspired by
Saint Paul, who had to suffer greatly for these same reasons.