(May 21, 2010) Evangelizing in an age where humanity suffers from the lack of reflection
and wisdom is indeed a difficult mission. Hence it is even more urgent and necessary
that these emerging problems be illumined with the unchanging light of the Gospel,
Pope Benedict said on Friday. The Holy Father was speaking to the national directors
of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) from around the world, who held their annual
general assembly in Rome, May 17-21. The Pontifical Mission Societies, comprising
the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the Holy Childhood Association, the
Society of St. Peter Apostle and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious, help
promote missionary spirit and activity among the members of the Catholic Church.
The Pope said that one participating in the mission of Church must inevitably face
tribulations, obstacles and suffering, because one clashes with the hostility and
powers of this world. In this battle, the Pope said citing St. Paul, we have no other
arm besides the word of Christ and His Cross. Hence the mission ‘ad gentes’ demand
that the Church and her missionaries accept the demands of their ministry – namely,
evangelical poverty that gives them the freedom to preach with openness and courage;
non-violence, with which they respond to evil with goodness, and total availability
to order to be able to offer their life to others for the love of Christ. “Persecution
is also proof of the authenticity of their apostolic mission,” the Pope added.