Francis Calls on Base Ecclesial Communities to Continue Commitment to the Gospel

Sends Letter to Inter-Ecclesial Meeting in Brazil

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In a letter addressed to the Base Ecclesial Communities of Brazil, Pope Francis called on members to characterize themselves through a new evangelical impulse for the renewal of the Church.

The letter, which was written in December, was sent to participants of the 14th Inter-ecclesial Meeting of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (CEB) who are meeting in Juazeiro do Norte in Brazil. The 4 day meeting will reflect on the theme: “Justice and prophecy in the service of life.”

The Holy Father began by expressing his hope that “the light of the Holy Spirit help you live with renewed enthusiasm the commitments of the Gospel of Jesus within Brazilian society”.

Referring to the Aparecida Document, which he contributed to as Archbishop of Buenos Aires, the Pope referred to the CEB as an instrument to ensure “greater knowledge of the Word of God, social commitment in the name of the Gospel, the appearance of new lay services and education in faith for adults”.

The Pope stressed to the members of the conference that in order to strengthen the new evangelization and the renewal of the Church, it is necessary to be in touch with the realities of local parishes. The Holy Father also emphasized the importance of integrating to the “organic pastoral of the particular Church.”

Pope Francis concluded his letter by stating the importance of the evangelization, a duty that belongs to the People of God.

“We must all be pilgrims, in the field and in the city, bringing the joy of the Gospel to all men and women. May the words of St. Paul resound in our hearts: ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!’” the Holy Father wrote. (J.A.E.)

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