Pope urges unity as he meets
last group of Brazilian bishops
on ad-limina visit to Rome
15 NOV 2010 (RV) - The Holy Father's audience today with bishops from Brazil’s Centre West region marked an end to the cycle of meetings with Brazilian Bishops making their once-every-five-years ad-limina visit to Rome, which began more than a year ago.
Speaking to the group in the Clementine Hall, the Holy Father noted the happy coincidence in the fact that he addressed the first group on the National Day of Brazilian Independence, while this last address was delivered on the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic in Brazil.
He used the occasion to underline the importance of the Church's evangelisation in the “construction of Brazilian identity”, adding that “the current secularised society demands a renewed witness of life from Christians in the proclamation of the Gospel”.
The Pope also stressed the role of the country's Episcopal Conference, an organization that is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Pope Benedict said that “the first testimony that is expected of those who proclaim the Word of God is love for one another”.
"The bishops' conference," he added, "promotes a unity of efforts and intentions”. However, it should not become a parallel reality or replacement of the ministry of each bishop.
And he made clear that each bishop must first find the most effective ways to draw people closer to universal Church teaching. A focus on formation is needed to "meet new emerging issues." It is up to the bishops to direct "the conscience of mankind” to find a correct solution to the problems posed by new social and cultural transformations."
Pope Benedict called attention to the promotion and protection of faith and morals, care for vocations, a commitment to ecumenism, defense of human life and the sanctity of the family, the right of parents to educate their children along with religious freedom, peace and social justice.
The Pope reiterated that the Episcopal conferences exist as "the driving force for the pastoral care of bishops, whose primary concern must be the salvation of souls."
The Holy Father concluded his address by assuring his affectionate closeness to the people of Brazil, entrusted to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Aparecida.
Brazil is the largest Catholic country in the world, and has some 230 bishops to oversee pastoral care for its 147 million Catholics. The Center-West region includes tHE Federal District covering tHE Brazilian capital of nrasilia, and part of the vast Matto Grosso province.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 15/11/2010 21:06]