Discourse of Pope Benedict XVI to the Bishops of Ecuador at the Ad Limina Visit

(October 16, 2008) Pope Benedict XVI invited the Bishops of Ecuador to open with docility to the action of the Holy Spirit so that, driven by his divine power, and renewed missionary zeal of the beginnings of evangelical mission they may proclaim the Gospel in their land. He was addressing them at the Ad Limina visit to Rome on Thursday, 16^th of October. Ad Limina visit is the five yearly visits of the Bishops to Rome to pray at the relics of the Apostles and at the same time give detailed account of their dioceses to the Holy Father. The Pope added that the missionary effort must be built up on the priests of their dioceses. He called on them to accompany them with prayer, closeness and affection, assuring them of adequate learning that helps them maintain their vibrant priestly life and he on his part would continue to encourage religious in their witness of consecrated life. Expressing the shortage of clergy in many areas, the Pope said that Bishops have to be strongly committed to involve all groups, movements and people of their dioceses in a broad and generous pastoral work. They have the task towards young people to bring in them the passion for figure Jesus and the great ideals of the Gospel. This effort must be accompanied by the utmost care in selecting and preparing intellectual, human and spiritual development of the seminarians, he added. The Church in Ecuador needs a mature and committed laity, with a solid doctrinal formation and a deep inner life, living their specific vocation: to illuminate the light of Christ all human reality, social, cultural and politics, said the Holy Father. While the activity of the Church can not be confused with the political work, the church can contribute through reflection and moral judgments, even on those political issues that affect the dignity of the person. The recent canonization of St. Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran, illustrates the spiritual fruitfulness of your communities, said the Pope. The Holy Father expressed his deep sorrow at the death of Cardinal Antonio Jose Gonzalez Zumárraga, archbishop emeritus of Quito, who with so much dedication and loyalty had served the Church until the end of his days and he would pray the Lord for his eternal rest and to increase the fruitful work done by so exemplary pastor.