Spiritual Heritage Shared by Jews & Christians lead to Understanding & Mutual Esteem : Pope

May 10, 2012: In his Discourse to students of the Pontifical Spanish College of St. Joseph of Rome Pope Benedict XVI said that the specific training of priests is always a top priority of the Church. Having been sent to Rome to further their studies the seminarians ought to think in a priestly way, not so much for their personal benefit, but the service of the holy people of God and that the pastors need to be delivered to the beautiful service of the sanctification of the faithful with utmost preparation and competence.
He asked them to remember that the priest renews his life and his ministry to draw strength from the contemplation of God's word and intense dialogue with the Lord. He asked them to be aware that they cannot bring Christ to their brothers or find them in the poor and the sick, if not discovered in fervent and constant prayer. It is necessary to promote a personal relationship with the Lord who proclaims, celebrates and communicates. Here is the foundation of priestly spirituality, sign up to become transparent and living testimony of the Good Shepherd.
Citing the example of the life and teaching of John of Avila he encouraged them to live by the virtues and the example of St. John of Avila, and to exercise their priestly ministry with the same zeal that characterized him, with his own austere life, and with the same filial affection he had to Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests.

In an address to a delegation of Latin American Jewish Congress on Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his delight in meeting the delegates and said that throughout Latin America there are dynamic Jewish communities, especially in Argentina and Brazil, who live next to a large majority of Catholics. From the years of Vatican II, relations between Jews and Catholics have also strengthened in their region, and there are several initiatives that continue to deepen mutual friendship.

He said that October marks the fiftieth anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council Declaration Nostra Aetate which remains the basis and guide in the efforts to promote greater understanding, respect and cooperation between the two communities. This statement not only took a clear stand against all forms of antisemitism, but also laid the foundations for a new theological evaluation of the relationship between the Church and Judaism, and expressed confidence that the appreciation of the spiritual heritage shared by Jews and Christians would lead to an understanding and mutual esteem growing.

He further added “In considering the progress gained in the last fifty years of Catholic-Jewish relations worldwide, we can not help but thank the Almighty for this obvious sign of his goodness and providence. With the growth of trust, respect and goodwill, groups that initially were associated with mistrust, become step by step through reliable partners and friends, good friends even able to face the crisis together and overcome conflicts in a positive way. Certainly, much remains to be done in overcoming the burdens of the past, in promoting better relations between our two communities and in response to the challenges facing more and more believers in the world today. However, it is a reason to give thanks that we are committed to walk together the path of dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation.”

“Dear friends, in a world increasingly threatened by the loss of spiritual and moral values, which are those that can guarantee respect for human dignity and lasting peace, sincere and respectful dialogue between religions and cultures is crucial for future of our human family. I have the hope that this visit today is a source of encouragement and renewed confidence in facing the challenge of building ever stronger ties of friendship and collaboration, and give prophetic witness to the power of the truth of God, justice and reconciling love for the good of all mankind.”

He concluded saying “With these sentiments, dear friends, I ask the Holy thrice bless you and your family with abundant spiritual gifts, and to guide their feet into the way of peace.”