Papal Address to Ugandan Bishops
"Evangelization Gives Rise ... to a Deeper Catholic Culture"
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 5, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Here is the English-language
address Benedict XVI delivered today upon receiving in audience the
Ugandan bishops who are in Rome for their five-yearly "ad limina"
visit.
* * *
Your Eminence,
Dear Brother Bishops,
I am pleased to greet you, the Bishops of Uganda, on your Ad Limina
visit to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul. I thank Bishop Ssekamanya
for the gracious sentiments of communion with the Successor of Peter
which he expressed on your behalf. I willingly reciprocate and assure
you of my prayers and affection for you and for the People of God entrusted
to your care. In a particular way my thoughts go to those who have been
affected by the recent landslides in the Bududa region of your country.
I offer prayers to Almighty God, the Father of all mercies, that he
may grant eternal rest to the souls of the deceased, and give strength
and hope to all who are suffering the consequences of this tragic event.
The recently celebrated Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod
of Bishops was memorable in its call for renewed efforts in the service
of a more profound evangelization of your continent (cf. Message to
the People of God, 15). The power of the word of God and the knowledge
and love of Jesus cannot but transform people’s lives by changing
for the better the way they think and act. In the light of the Gospel
message, you are aware of the need to encourage the Catholics of Uganda
to appreciate fully the sacrament of marriage in its unity and indissolubility,
and the sacred right to life. I urge you to help them, priests as well
as the lay faithful, to resist the seduction of a materialistic culture
of individualism which has taken root in so many countries. Continue
to call for lasting peace based on justice, generosity towards those
in need and a spirit of dialogue and reconciliation. While promoting
true ecumenism, be especially close to those who are more vulnerable
to the advances of sects. Guide them to reject superficial sentiments
and a preaching that would empty the cross of Christ of its power (cf.
1 Cor 1:17); in this way you will continue, as responsible Pastors,
to keep them and their children faithful to the Church of Christ. In
this regard I am pleased to learn that your people find spiritual consolation
in popular forms of evangelization such as the organized pilgrimages
to the Shrine of the Ugandan Martyrs at Namugongo, where the active
pastoral presence of Bishops and numerous priests guides the piety of
the pilgrims towards renewal as individuals and communities. Continue
to sustain all who with generous hearts assist displaced persons and
orphans from war-torn areas. Encourage those who care for people afflicted
by poverty, Aids and other diseases, teaching them to see in those whom
they serve the suffering face of Jesus (cf. Mt 25:40).
Renewed evangelization gives rise in turn to a deeper Catholic culture
which takes root in the family. From your Quinquennial Reports I am
aware that programmes of education in parishes, schools and associations,
and your own interventions on topics of common interest, are indeed
spreading a stronger Catholic culture. Great good can come from well-prepared
lay people who are active in the media, in politics and culture. Courses
for their adequate formation, especially in Catholic Social Doctrine,
should be provided, taking advantage of resources at Uganda Martyrs
University or other institutions. Encourage them to be active and outspoken
in the service of what is just and noble. In this way, society as a
whole will benefit from trained and zealous Christians who take up leadership
roles in the service of the common good. Ecclesial movements also deserve
your support for their positive contribution to the life of the Church
in many sectors.
Bishops, as the first agents of evangelization, are called to bear
clear witness to the practical solidarity born of our communion in Christ.
In a spirit of Christian charity Dioceses that enjoy more resources,
both materially and spiritually, should assist those that have less.
At the same time, all communities have a duty to strive for self-sufficiency.
It is important that your people develop a sense of responsibility towards
themselves, their community and their Church, and become more deeply
imbued with a Catholic spirit of sensitivity to the needs of the universal
Church.
Your priests, as committed ministers of evangelization, already benefit
greatly from your fatherly concern and guidance. In this Year for Priests
offer them your assistance, your example and your clear teaching. Exhort
them to prayer and vigilance, especially with regard to self-centred,
worldly or political ambitions, or excessive attachment to family or
ethnic group. Continue promoting vocations, providing for due discernment
of candidates and for their proper motivation and formation, especially
their spiritual formation. Priests must be men of God, capable of guiding
others, through wise counsel and example, in the Lord’s ways.
Religious men and women in Uganda are called to be an example and a
source of encouragement to the whole Church. By your advice and prayers,
assist them as they strive for the goal of perfect charity and bear
witness to the Kingdom. Priests and religious require constant support
in their lives of celibacy and consecrated virginity. By your own example,
teach them of the beauty of this way of life, of the spiritual fatherhood
and motherhood with which they can enrich and deepen the love of the
faithful for the Creator and Giver of all good gifts. Your catechists
likewise are a great resource. Continue to be attentive to their needs
and formation, and place before them, for their encouragement, the example
of martyrs such as Blessed Daudi Okello and Blessed Jildo Irwa.
Dear Brother Bishops, with the Apostle Paul, I exhort you: "always
be steady, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your
ministry" (2 Tim 4:5). In the Blessed Ugandan Martyrs you and your
people have models of great courage and endurance in suffering. Count
on their prayers and strive always to be worthy of their legacy. Commending
you and those entrusted to your pastoral care to the loving protection
of Mary, Mother of the Church, I affectionately impart to all of you
my Apostolic Blessing.
Nouvelles
du 05-02-2010