Pope in Fatima: Build a Civilisation of Love

(14 May 10 - RV) Today is Pope Benedict XVI’s final day in Portugal.
In an hour’s time he will be making his way to the northern city of Oporto to meet the bishop, Manuel de Clemente. Following the meeting he will go by pope mobile to the city centre to preside over Holy Mass in Avenida dos Alliados.
Yesterday evening, the Holy Father met members from a variety of Portuguese organizations involved in social work...



On his final evening in Fatima Benedict XVI made his way by pope mobile to the opposite side of the esplanade where earlier in the day he had presided over an open air Holy Mass on the Feast of Our Lady, leading in prayer the over 300 000 faithful gathered around him.
Pilgrims from all corners of Portugal who, when mass ended , moved their folding portable chairs to be able to catch a glimpse of the pope once again . This time towards the new designer Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity.
And when he made his way there they cheered ..
And the giant bronze doors of the great white basilica opened , barely the time to let him in leaving out these crowds as he joined the other 9000 social workers waiting for him inside, eager to meet him who in turn whistled and clapped shouting viva o papa .
The Holy Father’s afternoon appointment on Thursday was a Celebration of the Word with members from a variety of Portuguese organizations involved in social work, among them some non ecclesially inspired.
And the Pope was welcomed by the President of the Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Social Work , Bishop Carlos Azavedo his host for the occasion who asked him for a prophetic message to respond to those who are searching for a path to follow in these dark times for society in Portugal .
And when Benedict XVI spoke, he praised the work of this Commission, which he remarked constantly encourages the great sowing of charitable works throughout this nation.
History the pope pointed out to those present whom he referred to as a variety of faces all one in concern for social issues , presently offers us a scenario of socio economic, cultural and spiritual crisis which calls for discernment guided by a creative proposal of the Church’s social message.
In its social and political dimension, this service of charity is the proper realm of the lay faithful and there is a need to attract and form new generations of lay workers for this pastoral field.
The difficulty the Pope went on to say is to arrive at a satisfactory synthesis between spiritual life and apostolic activity . The pressure exerted by the prevailing culture which constantly holds up a lifestyle based on the law of the stronger, on easy gain, risks emptying the projects and goals of our service, of the motivation of faith.
And when he addressed himself to the social institutions of the Catholic Church he outlined the principles which should guide them , stressing they should yes have an identity but also as a fundamental step ensure that this Christian charitable activity be granted autonomy and independence from politics and ideologies even while cooperating with state agencies in the pursuit of common goals.
More specifically the pope expressed his deep appreciation for all those social and pastoral initiatives aimed at combating the socio economic and cultural mechanisms which lead to abortion and are openly concerned to defend life and to promote the reconciliation and healing of those harmed by the tragedy of abortion. And the applause went up …
Initiatives aimed at protecting the essential and primary values of life, beginning at conception, and of the family based on the indissoluble marriage between a man and a woman.
And once again the applause went up ...
Clear references to the issue of same sex marriages currently at stake in Portugal a nation where traditional moral values are undergoing erosion especially among new generations.
All these elements the Holy Father said are essential in the building of the civilization of love fitting in very closely with the message of Our Lady which resounds in this place, penance, prayer and forgiveness aimed at the conversion of hearts.