VATICAN CITY, JUNE 19, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI says the seeds of the Gospel continue to grow in Pakistan, despite conditions that hinder their ability to put down roots.
The Pope affirmed this today when he received in audience the bishops of Pakistan, in Rome for their five yearly visit. He told them their visit to the See of Peter "not only provides me with an opportunity to rejoice with you over the fruits of your labors, but to listen to your account of the hardships which you and your flock must endure for the sake of the Lord's name."
Hindus and Christians combined make up only 3% of the population in Pakistan, which is majority Sunni Muslim.
The Holy Father told the Pakistani bishops: "Your priests, united by a special bond to Christ the Good Shepherd, are heralds of Christian hope as they proclaim that Jesus lives among his people to ease their anguish and strengthen them in their weakness. [...] The centrality of the Eucharist, both through the worthy celebration of the Lord's Supper and in silent adoration of the Sacrament, should be especially apparent in the lives of priests and bishops.
"This will lead the laity to follow your example and come to a deeper appreciation for the Lord's abiding presence among them."
The Pontiff said he is pleased by the initiatives the bishops have promoted to "raise awareness of the radical change that becomes possible when Christians allow their entire life to take on a 'Eucharistic form.'"
"Eucharistic spirituality embraces every aspect of the Christian life," Benedict XVI continued. "This is evident in the emerging vitality of ecclesial movements within your dioceses. The charisms of these associations both reflect and meet the particular needs of our time."
Vocations
The Holy Father said he joined with the bishops in thanking God for the vocations to the priesthood in Pakistan.
"Never doubt that your investment of human and material resources will ensure a solid formation for your candidates for the priesthood," he encouraged. "Of particular urgency at the present time is the task of preparing these men -- and indeed all catechists and lay leaders -- to become effective promoters of interreligious dialogue. They share a responsibility with all Christians in Pakistan to foster understanding and trust with members of other religions by constructing peaceful forums for open conversation."
The Pontiff noted that the Church continues to serve the common good in Pakistan.
"[Catholic institutions] demonstrate that the love of Christ is no mere abstraction, but reaches out to every man and woman as it passes through real persons working in the Church's charitable institutions," he said. "The Gospel teaches us that Jesus cannot be loved in the abstract. Those who serve in Catholic hospitals, schools, social and charitable agencies respond to the concrete needs of others, knowing well that they are ministering to the Lord himself through their particular acts of charity."
The Pope concluded by encouraging the priests to support one another "in prayer and effective collaboration as you face the difficult tasks that lie ahead."
