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17 - 15.10.2012
SUMMARY
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TWELFTH GENERAL CONGREGATION (MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 2012 - AFTERNOON)
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VOLUME ON THE X GENERAL ORDINARY SYNOD OF THE BISHOPS
- DAY
OF EXCHANGES AND DIALOGUE ON NEW EVANGELIZATION
TWELFTH GENERAL CONGREGATION (MONDAY, OCTOBER 15 2012 - AFTERNOON)
- INTERVENTIONS
IN THE HALL (CONTINUATION)
Today, Monday, October 15 2012, at 4:30 p.m, with the prayer
Actiones nostras, the Twelfth General Congregation began for the
continuation of the interventions by the Synod Fathers in the Hall
on the Synodal theme: «The New Evangelization for the
Transmission of the Christian Faith».
A period for free discussion followed.
President delegate on duty H. Em. Card. John TONG HON, Bishop of
Hong Kong (CHINA).
At this General Congregation, which ended at 7:00 pm with the prayer
of Angelus Domini 249 Fathers were present.
At the end of the Congregation the movie “Bells of Europe ” was
shown, which was described in Bulletin no. 16 this morning.
INTERVENTIONS IN
THE HALL (CONTINUATION)
The following Fathers intervened:
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Rev. F. José RODRÍGUEZ CARBALLO, O.F.M., Minister General of the
Order of Friars Minor
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H. Em. Rev. Card. Wilfrid Matthew NAPIER, O.F.M., Archbishop of
Durban (SOUTH AFRICA)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Adolfo GONZÁLEZ MONTES, Bishop of Almería (SPAIN)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Jorge HERBAS BALDERRAMA, O.F.M., Bishop Prelate
of Aiquile (BOLIVIA)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Bernard LONGLEY, Archbishop of Birmingham (GREAT
BRITAIN (ENGLAND AND WALES)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Gabriel Akwasi Ababio MANTE, Bishop of Jasikan
(GHANA)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Robert ZOLLITSCH, Archbishop of Freiburg im
Breisgau, President of the Episcopal Conference (GERMANY)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Sanctus Lino WANOK, Bishop of Nebbi (UGANDA)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Ladislav NEMET, S.V.D., Bishop of Zrenjanin
(SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO)
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Rev. F. Bruno CADORÉ, O.P., Master General of the Order of Preachers
(Dominicans)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Shlemon WARDUNI, Bishop of Curia of Babylon of
the Chaldeans, Titular Bidhop of Anbar of the Chaldeans (IRAQ)
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H. Em. Rev. Card. Leonardo SANDRI, Prefect of the Congregation for
the Oriental Churches (VATICAN CITY)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Peter J. KAIRO, Archbishop of Nyeri (KENYA)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Franz-Josef Hermann BODE, Bishop of Osnabrück
(GERMANY)
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H. Em. Rev. Card. Angelo AMATO, S.D.B., Prefect of the Congregation
for the Causes of Saints (VATICAN CITY)
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Emmanuel Adetoyese BADEJO, Bishop of Oyo
(NIGERIA)
The summaries of the interventions are published below:
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Rev. F. José RODRÍGUEZ CARBALLO, O.F.M., Minister General of the
Order of Friars Minor
The new evangelizers must be, first of all, men and women animated
by a fe recta. If “the transmission of the faith is the goal of
evangelization” (cf. IL 31), then the faith is essential in an
evangelizer: a faith that is experienced, lived, celebrated and
proclaimed. In formation, permanent as well as initial, particular
attention should be given to the theme of faith.
This faith must be nourished and made manifest in an intense life of
prayer. The new evangelizer, ever since the first years of his
formation, must consider himself a permanent disciple in the art of
prayer. Only in this way may he avoid the progressive weakening of
his faith and seduction by alternatives. It is prayer that enables
the evangelizer to respond with evangelical wisdom to the great
questions that arise in the human heart and to his most urgent
needs, including the need for God.
Passion for the Lord must be accompanied by passion for humanity,
particularly for the poorest, to the point of becoming, “less than
the lesser of the earth”. Without the testimony of the practice of
an active and solid love for the poorest, and without the testimony
of a coherent life, always lived in accordance with the logic of the
minority and of free service, our message will lack credibility and
will run the risk of drowning in a sea of words (cf. NMI 50).
This passion for humanity will lead the new evangelizer to face some
of the challenges to which mankind today is particularly sensitive -
ecological imbalance, the constant threat to peace, the erosion of
the most fundamental human rights, such as the right to life - and
to place himself adequately in the new areopagus of the mission: the
world of education, culture, social communication (cf. VC 96-99).
The new evangelizer, during his permanent as well as initial
formation, must learn the art of dialogue. The new evangelization is
closely linked with dialogue with culture, and with ecumenical and
interreligious dialogue.
I would propose that this Synod offer guidelines for the formation
of the new evangelizers, taking into account the needs of the new
evangelization.
[00121-02.05] [IN092] [Original text: Spanish]
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H. Em. Rev. Card. Wilfrid Matthew NAPIER, O.F.M., Archbishop of
Durban (SOUTH AFRICA)
I would like to share what the Church of the IMBISA Region in
Southern Africa, which comprises Angola, Botswana, Lesotho,
Mozambique, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, Swaziland
and Zimbabwe, has done in order to meet the changes that have
occurred in regard to the supply of personnel, the development of
infrastructure and access to funding.
Formed in the 1970s, IMBISA (the Interregional Meeting of Bishops in
Southern Africa) was from the start committed to meeting the needs
and concerns of the entire Region as effectively as possible.
Consequently, after dealing with constitutional and organisational
matters, IMBISA engaged in systematic analysis, theological
reflection and practical planning on how to deal with, among other
things, the Alleviation of Poverty among its people, using its own
resources.
The first step taken in 2001 examined where we stood in regard to
resources. We did this using the Pastoral Cycle, with its four
practical steps of: a) Exposure/Immersion; b) Social Analysis; c)
Theological Reflection and d) Pastoral Planning.
At the next Plenary Assembly in 2004 we learned to apply a simple
method of Strategic Pastoral Planning, and immediately applied it to
our goal of becoming more Self-Reliant in the key areas of a)
personnel, b) infrastructure and c) finances. The Bishops set a
practical target for each local Church to become 15% more
self-reliant by 2007.
By 2007 most local Churches reported positive progress, so IMBISA's
set about consolidating the level of Self-reliance already achieved
by going through a workshop on Good Governance. We saw this as the
way to ensure that our Self-reliance would be sustainable even
without substantial outside help. This was followed by a workshop on
Good Work Ethics.
It is our hope therefore that the Church in Southern Africa,
equipped with these resources, will be able to complete the projects
inspired by a) the Special Assemblies of the Synod of Bishops for
Africa in 1994 & 2009, b) the Year of Faith and c) the New
Evangelisation for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.
That hope is based on the experience of several dioceses, including
the Archdiocese of Durban, which have engaged actively in New
Evangelisation, using processes similar to RENEW, with its
methodology of several years of reflection "seasons" of 6 to 8 weeks
on themes such as "Friendship with Jesus", "Friends forever", "Gifts
of the Holy Spirit', "Fruits of the Holy Spirit".
In a recent survey many lay people testified to experiences of
personal and prayerful encounters with Jesus as they read, shared
and prayed the Scriptures together. Further they considered that
their parishes were on the way towards becoming "evangelized",
through their commitment to: a) continuing formation of Adults in
their faith; b) systematic preparation for marriage, as well as the
mentoring of newly married couples; c) relevant post-First Holy
Communion, post-Confirmation and post-Matrimony catechesis, and d)
Christian living based on the Gospel values needed for the Church to
become truly the Family of God.
[00206-02.03] [IN151] [Original text: English]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Adolfo GONZÁLEZ MONTES, Bishop of Almería (SPAIN)
Faith is a work of God, but it also comes to those who do not know
Christ through those who know and love Him. Cooperation in the
transmission of the faith begins with witness and becomes explicit
confession of Christ through its first announcement. To explain the
faith presupposes knowledge of Christ, but he is also made known
when cases in favor of faith are cited, facing the challenge of
disbelief.
Faith may create a restlessness of heart felt when one is found
before the truth and goodness one has long sought after, but it may
also provoke opposition to the Gospel, when the truth proclaimed is
perceived as an obstacle to one’s own freedom and idea of happiness.
Jesus is the savior of man and at the same time “stone of scandal
and contradiction”. Man may refuse the message of the Church
because, with the good news of divine forgiveness, the Gospel asks
for conversion and the renunciation of the building of a world
“without God and without Christ”.
The new evangelization motivates us to demonstrate to today’s man
that the message of the Church is the good news of Christ who came
to save us and offer us full happiness. To give back the faith to
who lost Christ is an arduous task; we will not be able to do it
with those who live dominated by an agnostic culture without opening
up a dialogue with the idea of man that is promoted by contemporary
culture, keeping in mind the guarantees of an open society. It is a
task that must be accompanied, first, by strengthening within the
ecclesial communion, overcoming the present fragmentation of the
Church by means of strengthening the catachumenate of adults and the
catechesis and cooperation between parish, family and school in the
Christian education of children and youth; and, second, by means of
the sanctity of live and witness of love.
[00207-02.03] [IN152] [Original text: Spanish]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Jorge HERBAS BALDERRAMA, O.F.M., Bishop Prelate
of Aiquile (BOLIVIA)
Many pastoral agents trained in the Church who were close
collaborators with the pastoral community entered into political
life and, finding themselves in positions of power, turned their
back on the Catholic Church. We therefore ask ourselves where have
we gone wrong as a Church in their formation in the faith, or if
they were Christians more for tradition and convenience than by
conviction.
To respond to this reality, the New Evangelization must begin by
first of all evangelizing the evangelizers. The announcement of the
Gospel of Christ is the responsibility of all the baptized and
begins with a personal encounter with Christ, an experience of faith
which allows one to rediscover the beauty of the Christian faith and
makes a Christian a true missionary disciple. A Christian mature in
his faith acts out of conviction, is inclined to justify his faith
even in public, to become a witness to the faith he professes, to
witness the announcement of it with his life, he transmits
enthusiasm and is convincing.
We cannot expect pastoral conversion (Aparecida 370) without having
first obtained personal conversion. Then one may pass from a
pastoral of preservation, with structures that do not facilitate the
transmission of the faith (Aparecida 365) to a pastoral which is
decisively missionary and evangelizing, integrating with the Church,
which is communion and participation, reflecting Trinitarian
communion (Aparecida 213).
Only then will the parish community be attractive and inviting;
brotherly welcome will be found in it, providing motivation for
one’s own life of faith and the opportunity to make a commitment to
God in the Church. It is necessary to encourage the initial and
permanent formation of pastoral agents, to guide them and be
grateful to them for their generous service in the transmission of
the faith in Christ.
[00208-02.03] [IN153] [Original text: Spanish]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Bernard LONGLEY, Archbishop of Birmingham (GREAT
BRITAIN (ENGLAND AND WALES)
Instrumentum Laboris art. 125 emphasizes that a “renewed commitment
to ecumenism” is a fruit of the Church’s own transformation.
Six points flow from this:
1. Commitment to dialogue and witness can serve the new
evangelization.
2. Effective proclamation of faith requires profound listening
following the example of Christ.
3. Dialogue deepens understanding of the cultures that need to be
evangelized.
4. Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman is a fitting patron for the
new evangelization.
5. Lay faithful are called to be new evangelizers and require
specific formation for this task (cf Maryvale Institute).
6. This Synod models the collaboration of clergy, Religious and lay
faithful that characterizes the new evangelization.
[00209-02.03] [IN154] [Original text: English]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Gabriel Akwasi Ababio MANTE, Bishop of Jasikan
(GHANA)
While the challenge regarding the character of the faith Ghanaian
Catholics is internal to the Church, there are external factors
which are equally challenging to its life. Among the external
challenges are the ever-increasing number of sects, the emergence of
militant Islam and the anti-Church stance of international financial
organizations and so-called development partners.
The presence and activities of sects with their gospel of prosperity
and promises of instant success and wealth are extremely attractive
to the youth. This attraction is causing hemorrhage in their
membership of the Church. This phenomenon, however, strongly
suggests that the youth need something more than wealth and success.
Indeed, their attitude and behaviour suggest that they are hungering
for the Word of God and thirsting for meaning in life based on solid
Catholic formation and direction.
Islam in Ghana has so far not posed any open threats to the Catholic
Church and other ecclesial communities. In fact, both sides enjoy
good relationship and collaborate on major socio-political issues.
However, one wonders whether there are no negative currents under
this good relationship, and therefore the prevailing situation
should not be taken for granted.
The anti-Church stance of international financial organizations is
negatively affecting the Church in Ghana, particularly the
educational sector. For example, it took a strong stand by Catholic
Bishops Conference for the teaching of religious and moral education
to be restored in elementary schools. Even then, Christian religion
and morals are taught alongside those of other faiths.
There is also the need to build a deeper and greater trust between
the lay faithful and the clergy through a broad based formation
whose ultimate aims should include giving them more opportunities
for service in the Church with their talents.
As regards the youth, their need for programmed supports to develop
strong bonds with Christ as their inspirer and source of strength to
face the demands their growth towards adulthood makes on them need
no over emphasis.
[00210-02.03] [IN155] [Original text: English]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Robert ZOLLITSCH, Archbishop of Freiburg im
Breisgau, President of the Episcopal Conference (GERMANY)
Even before the 1960s, in the countries of Central and Western
Europe, social processes had begun which could be summed up with the
terms modernization and secularization. From these came specific
shifts and changes that also had to do in a particular way with the
religious field. This was a profound process in which the
fundamental experiences of life were changed and the individual is
no longer limited himself to receiving traditions, but is challenged
to decide in person. At the same time this challenge also becomes an
opportunity for the new evangelization. Man has within himself an
intimate desire for meaning, which has not died in the modern world,
though it has been surpassed and covered, but nevertheless continues
to reappear.
The New Evangelization therefore means helping people bring these
trickles of faith into the light, accompanying them in their journey
and helping them to discover the traces of God in daily life. We
have to search together for the “veritas semper maior”. And in this
shared search we need above all through our behavior to let people
experience God’s unconditional love for every single person.
[00211-02.04] [IN156] [Original text: German]
- H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Sanctus Lino WANOK, Bishop of Nebbi (UGANDA)
In East Africa, in Nebbi diocese in particular, there is a growing
desire for many people who want to know and understand the Word of
God. Many lay apostolate movements are trying to put the Word of God
at the centre of all their activities. There is a rising interest of
the laity to participate in retreats, prayer meetings and
pilgrimages so that they may experience deeply the Word. In many of
the mission territories, especially in those large communities where
priests cannot visit regularly, there are centers run by catechists
for Sunday celebration of the Word of God. Certainly, they need
proper orientation. There is a growing trend among young people and
young adults to attend Liturgy of the Eucharist on Sunday, but later
go to listen to evangelical preachers at their gatherings, radio or
television with the reason that "our liturgy does not sufficiently
articulate the Word of God". Indeed, the faithful are longing for
preachers and teachers who would present the Word of God to them as
the voice of Christ speaking to them and to their life situation.
More than reading and understanding, there is need of praying and
meditating daily on this word of life. The New Evangelization calls
for:
1. The renewal of church that has the Bible that is
Self-interpreting and Self-Witnessing in the personal encounter with
Christ. Thus making of the Christian a true disciple who listens and
ponder the Living Word.
2. The Biblical Commission and Apostolate to be strengthened with
new Methods in each diocese and at Parish level so that they take a
leading role in bringing people closer to the deeper understanding
of the Word of God.
3. Each Parish to encourage all the members to have and use the
Bible in their own families, in
lay movements and in their personal lives as disciples of Christ.
4 To promote the use of the Bible for prayer: retreats, novena and
pastoral counselling.
5 To use different forms of media in order to promote the
appreciation of the Word of God as the centre of spirituality in the
life of every Christian.The proclamation of the Word of God has the
power to bring believers to an encounter with the person of Jesus
Christ. It is through the Scriptures that we come to experience the
mystery of salvation, the saving love of Father and the life giving
presence of the Holy Spirit is truly at work in the life of the
Church. The Word of God can transform people's lives and effect the
conversion of heart.
[00225-02.03] [IN157] [Original text: English]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Ladislav NEMET, S.V.D., Bishop of Zrenjanin
(SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO)
In my remarks regarding the new evangelization I would like to focus
on 4 issues. The context of our proclamation: We live in a
constantly changing world. It can be true in certain fields, but
there are some fundamental values and questions which are valid for
ever. Jesus Christ and his teaching are such realities. The Gospel
is not changing, but its proclamation can take different forms
according to the cultural context of our times. Popular missions:
For the renewal of smaller communities (not great cities), as
parishes or a pastoral unit, it seems that a once well known
practice of popular missions can be reviewed and adjusted to our
times. New evangelization is essentially connected with parish work
and the mission ad gentes (RM 32-34.). Local churches should not
forget in the process of the new evangelization their vocation to
take part in ad gentes mission. Personal and structural conversion
of us all seems to be in this moment of history very important.
[00212-02.03] [IN158] [Original text: English]
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Rev. F. Bruno CADORÉ, O.P., Master General of the Order of Preachers
(Dominicans)
The labor of evangelization finds its joy and strength in
contemplation. This insight made by mendicant Orders brings to light
three of the challenges that evangelization faces.
The challenge of knowledge; faced in dialogue with all seekers of
truth, philosophers, scientists, researchers. Deploying the sciences
and knowledge provides the opportunity to realize this “beautiful
friendship between faith and the sciences” proclaimed by the
Council. In faith one contemplates the mystery of the ongoing
creation of God and his faithful call to the freedom and reason of
man. In friendship we can, with men of science, discern the
challenges in order to build together a world for man.
The challenge of freedom. In meeting with our contemporaries,
believers and non-believers, it is necessary first of all to present
the friendship of God with man, rather than formulating questions
and answers that at times are not asked in the proper terms. Being
led by God’s patience rather than relying on man, so that he learns
to place his freedom at the height of his dignity and to contemplate
the mercy of Christ, who precedes him, He who teaches his friends
what he received from the Father.
The challenge of brotherhood. Religious communities desire to be
places in which brotherhood constructed in diversity aspires to be
transformed by the spirit of communion in “sacrament” of friendship
of God with the world. And, because of this hope, they are
challenged to broaden this hope of communion, tying their
destination to the forgotten of the world, making of them the
conviction of the Synod of 1971: “Action on behalf of justice and
participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us
as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the Gospel”.
[00213-02.03] [IN159] [Original text: French]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Shlemon WARDUNI, Bishop of Curia of Babylon of
the Chaldeans, Titular Bidhop of Anbar of the Chaldeans (IRAQ)
Evangelization, in order to be effective and productive, must find
new ways and means: in the first place, it must found itself on the
grace of the Holy Spirit, which illuminates man and teaches him to
welcome and live his Christian and human vocation and achieve
authentic clarity of mind and true joy of heart.
The authentic life of teachers who follow a model of “sanctity” must
ask: where is our humility? Where is our unity? Where is our true
love of God, who loved us so much he gave his only begotten Son (Jn
3:16; 13:1; 1 Pt 1:22; Jn 13:34)?
The Synod preceding this one was on the Word of God, that Word which
is vital to the New Evangelization, as the psalmist says “Your word
is a lamp for my feet”. Without the Word, we cannot encounter the
Word in person. He is ready to make Himself known and to give
strength to those who let themselves be guided by Him. We must
therefore evangelize ourselves first, before evangelizing others.
Unfortunately, there is a widespread mentality which scorns
religion, considering it an obstacle to social and scientific
development. Such a vision encourages a fatal indifference, a type
of masked atheism. An atheism practiced and spread throughout
societies, fueled, unfortunately, by disagreement within the Church.
A Church which often finds itself defending itself rather than
witnessing to Christ...all these things weaken the faith of the
simple people.
Another reason for the degradation of religion is the increase in
emigration, that is, the escape from certain difficult realities
into others, unknown and often difficult - the “bitter sweetness” as
Benedict XVI called it in his speech to the youth in Lebanon.
Without forgetting the negative impact of the mass media which often
set themselves against the Church to discredit her and weaken her
moral strength, thus condemning the faith of teens and youth.
Evangelization is one of the most important duties of bishops, as
Vatican Council II states, in the Decree “Christus Dominus” (no.13).
The New Evangelization in Iraq: the situation continues to be
extremely negative, despite the Church’s continued efforts. The
number of Christians continues to decrease, due to the constant
emigration of faithful and clergy as well as our poor example, lack
of cohesion and the increase of division amongst ourselves.
[00215-02.07] [IN161] [Original text: Italian]
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H. Em. Rev. Card. Leonardo SANDRI, Prefect of the Congregation for
the Oriental Churches (VATICAN CITY)
Referring to numbers 74 and 75 of the Instrumentum Laboris, I wish
to sincerely thank the Holy Father for having introduced the Eastern
Catholic Churches to the Synod on the New Evangelization with the
gift of the Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente and with
his unforgettable visit to Lebanon. This document opens by recalling
in all their current relevance the four pillars on which the Church
has been founded, right from its origins (Acts 2:42): announcing the
Word, charity, the Eucharist and the other sacraments, personal and
communal prayer (no. 5). The pairing of “communion and witness” that
guided the Synod for the Middle East and now constitutes the
ecclesial priority, draws strength from the four pillars mentioned:
they are also valid for this Synod, since they are essential for any
action of evangelization. The Eastern Churches are recognized as
“living witnesses of the origins” by the Council itself (cf. OE 1).
Blessed John Paul II presented them as the second lung of the one
body of Christ and Pope Benedict described them as bearers of
authentic Christianity for the whole Church, which looks to the
future in security only if it remains anchored to what is “in the
beginning”(Jn 1). They cannot renounce the full ecclesial
configuration granted to them by the Council (cf. OE 1;24) nor can
they renounce the specific mission of the unity of all the disciples
of Christ, especially the Eastern ones (ibid), entrusted to them.
With the support of the Holy Father and our congregation, they will
do their utmost, therefore, to ensure that they are granted
everywhere at least the essential formulae of presence and
jurisdiction, while they await more suitable ones. The Eastern
Churches ask that the full communion cum Petro e sub Petro should
never be undervalued for ecumenical or interreligious reasons, which
in this way would themselves be disregarded. The long and faithful
ecclesial journey, with the flavor of martyrdom that has always
distinguished it, ensure they are qualified operators of the new
evangelization. In the mother country they are severely tried in
their physical well-being and in the exercise of religious freedom.
In the new countries they have to prepare themselves for the equally
hard trial of the conspicuous eclipse of the sense of God and the
confrontation with languages and models that are completely new. But
it really is the sons and daughters of the eastern Churches who find
themselves being new evangelizers in the metropolitan areas of every
continent, there where the Christian communities are so hurt by
indifference or even by the effective or explicit abandonment of
Christian belonging. I have to mention again the condition, in some
cases of persecution and more frequently of migration, in which many
Eastern Christians live. And I echo their desire to be thought of
and valued not as a minority but as a presence, that of the
evangelical yeast that leavens all the dough. It is the quality of
the faith, in reality, that amplifies the impetus of the
evangelization. The admirable sensitivity of the Holy Father and the
Universal Church contribute and will continue to contribute to
dispel the real fear that in the future there may be no “living
stones” to confess the Gospel there where it began its journey. May
the pilgrimage, which especially in the year of faith the Churches
will undertake to the sites of our salvation, confirm the spiritual
and material charity to increase hope for the Eastern Christians and
to receive from their testimony that comfort in that same hope which
is indispensable for the new evangelization. With our Eastern
brothers, humbly we say to ourselves: we take note of the problems,
the divisions, the lack of faith in the Gospel, the mingling
sometimes with power and the search for economic security as well.
We want therefore to purify the spirit and pastoral action, together
with our brothers. Thank you, Latin brothers, for the welcome you
extended to the Eastern Catholics as protagonists of the new
evangelization. We want them to be fully themselves, with their
spiritual, ritual and disciplinary articulation. For the good of
everyone the work of the Spirit will burst forth, the only guarantor
of full unity in pluriformity. Thank you.
[00216-02.06] [IN162] [Original text: Italian]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Peter J. KAIRO, Archbishop of Nyeri (KENYA)
Today all over the world the family faces lot of challenges, among
them separation, divorce, co-habitation, polygamy, poor parenting
and even barrenness. Looking closely, the family is hardly formed to
start marriage life and where marriage encounter courses exist. They
are for the voluntary few. Ongoing formation after wedding is almost
non existent. The issue of single parenting is becoming a global
problem that can hardly be ignored any longer. Economic demands that
are wider than the income are straining the family. The education
system is taking away children from families, while keen observation
reveals that in several parts of the world our baptized faithful are
living in two marriages at the same time - the traditional and
Christian marriage - thus making it impossible for the family to
have a clear identity.
Some families lack a culture of love and they force some members
away. Aware of these challenges, the family needs the support which
comes from feeling a part of the Christian Community, being accepted
and listened to.
The Church must emphasize the true meaning of marriage as divinely
instituted complementary bond between man and woman which has to be
respected with all its values. There is need for the Church to find
ways of strengthening the family so that it becomes a place of
evangelization; of deepening their love for God as foundation of
their reciprocal love and to accompany them through the challenges
they are confronting daily.
[00227-02.06] [IN164] [Original text: English]
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H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Franz-Josef Hermann BODE, Bishop of Osnabrück
(GERMANY)
In many places in Germany we make an effort to realize a different
pastoral. The parish territorial structure continues to be
important, to which categorical services are added. Local forms
(such as spiritual centers) are important as well. These days, more
than a few people come to courses of faith, for example, schools of
prayer and daily exercises. It will become ever more important to
establish personal relationships in the bosom of small Christian
communities, “biotopes” of faith, of hope, of love. Many find a
medial contact there. Even big “global” events (World Youth Day,
ecclesial Congresses) must not be underestimated. The diaconal
witness of attention to people today is well understood. In the same
way, fashion, culture, aesthetics, music and literature are
important in a real and living pastoral. For this reason we
strengthen the preparation of volunteer catechists and the series of
teams among all the services of the baptized, confirmed, persons in
charge, correspondents and consecrated. To this end it would be
desirable to expand the possibilities of entrusting to men and women
responsibilities in the liturgy, catechism and the diaconate.
[00217-02.03] [IN165] [Original text: German]
-
H. Em. Rev. Card. Angelo AMATO, S.D.B., Prefect of the Congregation
for the Causes of Saints (VATICAN CITY)
In the Lineament there are about 40 references to both sanctity, as
conversion to Christ and as full reception of his grace, and Saints
as indispensable protagonists of the new evangelization: “the key
element in the work of the new evangelization is for every Christian
to answer the call to holiness” (no.158). The theme of the sanctity
of the Church in her being and in the acting of her children
constitutes a recurring theme of the document.
Why this insistence? Because in the Saints the Church offers an
edifying display of the Gospel lived out, witnessed to and
proclaimed sine glossa. Indeed, the Saints evangelize with their
virtuous lives, nourished by faith, hope and charity. They personify
the evangelical beatitudes, which are a faithful reflection of
Christ: blessed are the poor in spirit, the gentle, the pure of
heart, the merciful, the peacemakers, the persecuted. They respond
with extraordinary creativity to the commandment to love God and
neighbor: I was hungry and thirsty and you gave me food and drink, I
was a stranger and you made me welcome, sick and in prison and you
visited me. The saints embrace humanity with their love, rendering
coexistence better, more peaceful, more fraternal. This is why the
days of our calendars are marked with the names of the saints. The
history of the Church, in the East as well as the West, in the North
as in the South, records saints of every age, country, race,
language and culture, so that the grace of God the Trinity might be
like the morning dew. It is found on all of the plants in the
garden, yet on the rose it is red, on the leaves it is green, on the
lilies it is white. It is the same with sanctity which, though being
unique as a Divine gift, lightly penetrates and transforms the
hearts of children of the Church all around the world, in Asia as
well as Africa, in America as well as in Oceania or Europe. There
are holy martyrs, holy confessors, holy doctors in the Church. All
are witnesses to Christ and evangelizers.
[00218-02.07] [IN166] [Original text: Italian]
- H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Emmanuel Adetoyese BADEJO, Bishop of Oyo
(NIGERIA)
Reflecting on the IL 92-95, I believe that the Church needs to
explore the possibility of turning the celebration of the sacraments
themselves into more efficacious moments of faith impact which can
attract non-Christians to catechesis and commitment. This can be
done if we continually update homiletics and sacramental procedure
with engaging art, language, idioms and imagery which can better
communicate their power and meaning.
The engaging power of solemn but exuberant, multimedia liturgy can
focus the restive faculties of modern man on the work of the Holy
Spirit to stabilize him against consumerism, corruption, materialism
and relativism to become a witness to the Gospel (I.L 119, 123). New
evangelization could exploit this model which Africa counts on so
much in its liturgy.
Many in the world of today may not go to Church but they need the
Church to come to them, right there where people are found,
especially in those places where churches are emptying. Or is it the
Holy Spirit calling us out of the “catacombs of fear and
self-consciousness” to share Jesus more with others? The “original
spaces of social media” namely the playgrounds, the streets, town
squares, market places, nightclubs, shopping malls, even pubs and
the slums, thirst to be “Church” in some form.
Priests and Bishops may not get the high table treatment in these
places but just a word or gesture from us could unveil the face of
Jesus as a first encounter for someone and that is where faith
begins. Here is where the call for a new evangelization with new
zeal, means and methods make real meaning in my view.
I would like this Synod to strongly reaffirm the role and
responsibility of Catholic media professionals and practitioners in
the New Evangelization and the need to pay particular attention to
their spiritual development. Millions of youth all over the world
are sharing the same stories, experiences and challenges,
irrespective of their location, thanks to the new social, personal
and digital media. The Church must humbly seek their confidence and
trust knowing that youth prefer a co-communicator relationship to
the old teacher-learner, speaker-listener model. When they feel like
allies with the Church they can with the right format and language
bring their Christian faith and values to the new social forums.
[00219-02.03] [IN167] [Original text: English]
VOLUME ON THE X GENERAL ORDINARY SYNOD OF THE BISHOPS
"The Bishop: Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of
the World" was the theme of the X Ordinary General Assembly of the
Synod of Bishops, celebrated in the Vatican in 2001. A volume
entitled with the same synodal theme was presented to the Holy
Father Benedict XVI in the Tenth Congregation this morning, who gave
a copy to each Synodal Father and Participant in this Assembly.
Published by the Lateran University Press, the text was edited by
the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, H. Exc. Mons. Nikola
Eterović, Tit. Archbishop of Cibale
(VATICAN CITY).
It is composed of four parts. It contains Synodal Acts, from the
announcement of the theme, with related preliminaries, to the Post-Synodal
Apostolic Exhortation “Pastores gregis”.
The available documentation is broad: synodal works chronicling all
the general Congregations, meetings of Working Groups, development
of Propositions and information on the activity of the Synod are
recorded. In the Appendices are to be found the texts of the
Secretary General, in particular the Lineament, the Instrumentum
Laboris, the List of Participants and the various Commissions.
[00292-02.03] [NNNNN] [Original text: Italian]
DAY OF
EXCHANGES AND DIALOGUE ON NEW EVANGELIZATION
“Good news” is the theme of the day of exchange and dialogue on the
new evangelization promoted by Roma Capitale on the occasion of the
XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Two events
are planned for next Thursday, 18 October 2012, organized in
collaboration with the Secretary of the General Assembly of the
Synod of Bishops , Vatican Radio and Hope.
In the morning, at 10.30 in the Protomoteca Hall on the Capitoline
Hill, an international conference will be held. There will be
official greetings from Gianni Alemanno,Mayor of Rome; H. Exc. Mons.
Nikola Eterović, Secretary General of the
Synod of Bishops; H. Exc. Rev. Mons. Salvatore Fisichella, President
of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelization
and Father Federico Lombardi, S.J., Director of Vatican Radio, of
the Vatican Television Service and the Holy See Press Office.
These will be followed by statements from Maria Voce, President of
the Focolari Movement; Franco Miano, National President of Azione
Cattolica Italiana and Chiara Amirante, Founder and Presidente of
the Comunità Nuovi Orizzonti, all auditors at this Synod.
At 12 there will be time for interventions by some of the Synodal
Fathers from the five continents. Marco Brusati, general manager of
Hope will be coordinating.
In the evening there will be an international concert of Christian
Music. This will be at 9pm in the Sinopoli Hall of the Rome’s “Parco
della Musica” Auditorium.
[00293-02.03] [NNNNN] [Original text: Italian] |
