VATICAN CITY, MARCH 13, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says he hopes local Churches will express solidarity with the Church in Haiti and send the island nation experienced priests to help in the formation of seminarians.
The Pope affirmed this today when he received prelates from the Haitian bishops' conference. The prelates have just completed their five-yearly visit to the Vatican, during which, the Holy Father said, they were able to share with the Roman Curia "the joy and hope, as well as the concerns being experienced by the people of God entrusted to your pastoral care."
Recalling Pope John Paul II's visit to Haiti 25 years ago for the country's national Eucharistic congress titled "Something Has to Change Here," Benedict XVI asked, "Have things changed?"
The country has known "painful moments: [...] divisions, injustice, poverty, unemployment, factors that are a source of profound concern to people," the Pontiff lamented. "I ask the Lord to give all Haitians, especially those who bear social responsibility, the courage to promote change and reconciliation so that all the inhabitants of the country may enjoy dignified living conditions, and benefit from the fruits of their land in an ever-increasing solidarity."
"I cannot forget those people who find themselves obliged to travel to the neighbouring state in order to satisfy their needs," Benedict XVI continued. He called upon the international community "to continue and to intensify its aid to the Haitian people so that they can take the reins of their own future and development."
Particular concerns
Referring to the concerns expressed by the prelates in their individual meetings with him, the Pope mentioned "the instability of the family structure," which is "due to the crisis the country is experiencing, but also to the evolution of behavior and to the progressive loss of a sense of marriage and the family," which comes about "when other forms of union are placed on the same level."
Because "society and the Church largely develop from the family" Benedict XVI told the prelates, attention to this area of pastoral activity is "vital because it is the primordial place for the education of the young. I encourage you, then, to support married couples and young families with adequate formation, also teaching them respect for life."
The Holy Father then turned his attention to priests, encouraging the bishops "to look to their permanent formation and to maintain fraternal relations with them" in order "to help them exercise a fruitful ministry." Bishops should also invite priests "to avoid political compromise" and "to base their apostolate on a relationship with Christ, and on the Eucharistic mystery that reminds us how he gave himself for the salvation of the world," he said.
Hearing the call
Speaking of seminarians, Benedict XVI called on the prelates "to work with the episcopates of other countries to identify experienced educators who lead exemplary priestly lives and might accompany [seminarians] throughout the various stages of their formation. [...] Upon this the future of the Church in Haiti depends. May the local Churches hear this call and undertake to send you priests to help you in the formation of seminarians."
The Holy Father also expressed his encouragement for Catholic schools, saying they play an important role and are appreciated by the authorities and by the people."
He noted that "the personality matures through education, just as it does through the recognition of essential values and the practice of virtue. Also in this way, a concept of the human being and of society is handed down."
Finally, Benedict XVI praised the efforts of religious and volunteers "who work with the poorest, the disinherited of society, demonstrating that, by fighting poverty, we also fight the numerous social problems that depend upon it."
ZE08031310 - 2008-03-13
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-22051?l=english
Pontiff: Haiti Needs Help to Educate Seminarians
Calls on Churches in Other Countries to Send Formators
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