SUMMARY:
-
APOSTOLIC TRIP TO LEBANON: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DIALOGUE
- OTHER
PONTIFICAL ACTS
______________________________________
APOSTOLIC
TRIP TO LEBANON: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DIALOGUE
Vatican
City, 19 September 2012 (VIS) - Benedict XVI dedicated his general
audience today to a review of his recent apostolic trip to Lebanon.
"It was", he said, "a journey I was very keen to make
despite the difficult circumstances, because a father must always
remain alongside his children when they face serious problems. I was
moved by the desire to announce the peace which the risen Lord left
to His disciples in the words: 'My peace I give to you'".
"It
was a poignant ecclesial event and, at the same time, an opportunity
for dialogue in a country which is complex but emblematic for the
region, thanks to the tradition of cohabitation and diligent
collaboration between its various religious and social components. In
the face of the suffering and drama which persist in that area of the
Middle East, I expressed my heartfelt participation in the legitimate
aspirations of those dear peoples, bringing them a message of
encouragement and peace. I think in particular of the terrible
conflict which is ravaging Syria and which causes, apart from
thousands of deaths, a flow of refugees who move around the region
desperately seeking security and a future. Nor do I forget the
difficult situation in Iraq. During my visit, the people of Lebanon
and the Middle East (Catholics, representatives of other Churches and
ecclesial communities and the various Muslim communities), in a
serene and constructive atmosphere, were able to enjoy an important
experience of mutual respect, understanding and fraternity, which
constitutes a powerful sign of hope for all humankind. Yet it was
above all the meeting with the Catholic faithful of Lebanon and the
Middle East, who were present in their thousands, that aroused a
feeling of profound gratitude in my heart for the ardour of their
faith and witness".
"I
was able to see directly how the Lebanese Catholic communities,
thanks to their two-thousand year presence and their hope-filled
commitment, offer an important and highly appreciated contribution to
the daily life of all the country’s inhabitants", the Pope
said. He also expressed his thanks to the country's authorities for
"their cordial welcome", a fine expression of "the
famous Lebanese hospitality". And he went on: "The Muslims
welcomed me with great respect and sincere consideration. Their
constant affable presence gave me the opportunity to launch a message
of dialogue and collaboration between Christianity and Islam. I
believe the time has come to bear sincere and definitive witness
together against division, violence and war".
The Holy
Father then turned his attention to the events of his apostolic trip,
beginning with the signing of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
"Ecclesia in Medio Oriente" in the Greek-Melkite Basilica
of St. Paul in Harissa. "On that occasion", he said, "I
invited Middle Eastern Catholics to fix their gaze on the crucified
Christ in order to find, even at times of difficulty and suffering,
the strength to celebrate the victory of love over hatred, of
forgiveness over revenge, of unity over division. I assured everyone
that the universal Church is closer than ever ... to the Churches in
the Middle East. Despite being a 'little flock', they must not fear,
in the certainty that the Lord is always with them".
During
the meeting with representatives of State institutions and the world
of culture, the diplomatic corps and religious leaders, "I
indicated", the Pope recalled, "the path to follow to
ensure a future of peace and solidarity. This involves working to
ensure that cultural, social and religious differences are resolved
in sincere dialogue: a new fraternity where what unites us is a
shared sense of the greatness and dignity of each person, whose life
must always be safeguarded and protected. On that same day", he
went on, "I met with the heads of Muslim communities, an event
which took place in a spirit of dialogue and mutual benevolence. I
thank God for that meeting, The world today needs clear unequivocal
signs of dialogue and collaboration, something of which Lebanon has
been and must continue to be an example, for the Arab States and for
the rest of the world".
Benedict
XVI then mentioned the "irrepressible enthusiasm of the
thousands of young people from Lebanon and neighbouring countries",
who greeted him at the residence of the Maronite Patriarch. "I
emphasised their good fortune to live in that part of the world where
Jesus was crucified and rose for our salvation, and where
Christianity developed, exhorting them to fidelity and love for their
land, despite the difficulties caused by lack of stability and
security. ... Seeing young Christians and Muslims celebrate in great
harmony, I encouraged them to build the future of Lebanon and the
Middle East together, and to oppose violence and war. Harmony and
reconciliation must be stronger than the forces of death".
During
Sunday Mass at the City Centre Waterfront in Beirut, the Pope had
encouraged everyone "to live and bear witness to their faith
without fear, knowing that the vocation of Christians and of the
Church is to bring the Gospel to all without distinction, following
the example of Jesus. In a context marked by bitter conflicts, I drew
attention to the need to serve peace and justice by becoming
instruments of reconciliation and builders of communion. At the end
of the Eucharistic celebration, I had the joy of consigning the
Apostolic Exhortation which brings together the conclusions of the
Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops. ...
This document reaches out to all the faithful of that dear region, to
support them in their faith and communion, and to encourage them on
the path of the ... new evangelisation. In the afternoon, at the
headquarters of the Syrian Catholic Patriarchate, I then had the joy
of a fraternal ecumenical meeting with the Orthodox and Eastern
Orthodox Patriarchs, as well as representatives of those Churches and
of other ecclesial communities".
"The
days spent in Lebanon", the Pope concluded, "were a
wonderful manifestation of faith and religious feeling and a
prophetic sign of peace. The multitude of believers from the entire
Middle East had the opportunity to reflect, to talk and especially to
pray together, renewing their commitment to root their lives in
Christ. I am sure that the people of Lebanon, in its varied but well
blended religious and social make-up, will know how to witness with
renewed impetus to the true peace that comes from faith in God. I
hope that the messages of peace and respect that I sought to give,
will help the governments of the region to take decisive steps
towards peace and a better understanding of the relationship between
Christians and Muslims. For my part, I continue to accompany those
beloved people in prayer, that they may remain faithful to their
commitments".
OTHER
PONTIFICAL ACTS
Vatican
City, 19 September 2012 (VIS) - The Holy Father appointed:
- Bishop
Pedro Luiz Stinghini of Franca, Brazil, as bishop of Mogi des Cruces
(area 2,521, population 1,546,000, Catholics 1,145,000, priests 80,
permanent deacons 8, religious 219), Brazil.
- Bishop
Flavio Giovenale S.D.B. of Abaetetuba, Brazil as bishop of Santarem
(area 171,906, population 422,767, Catholics 311,679, priests 46,
permanent deacons 2, religious 80), Brazil.
You
can find more information at: www.visnews.org
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