Saturday, July 7, 2007

Pope Benedict offers prayers for CBCP Plenary Assembly

POPE Benedict VXI has offered prayers for the bishops in the just concluded plenary assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), at the same time encouraging them to remain relevant and responsive to the signs of the times.

In a message relayed through the Nunciature, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone conveyed to CBCP President Most Rev. Angel Lagdameo, the pope’s best wishes and prayers for a fruitful deliberations of the 95th Plenary Assembly.

Bertone said the Holy Father prays for the Holy Spirit “to strengthen the Bishops in their resolve to renew their mission and responsibility as Pastors.”

The Holy Father encourages the bishops to continue preaching the gospel “in a manner relevant to the needs of the times, teaching the faithful themselves to defend and spread the saving message of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Lagdameo, earlier sent a letter to the Holy Father thanking him for his prayers and concern on the situation of the country. Likewise, in view of the forthcoming plenary assembly, Lagdameo asked the Pontiff for a message for the Bishops’ conference.

Held at Pope Pius XII last July 7-8, the 95th plenary assembly was preceded by a three-day retreat reflecting on the theme “The Word of God in the Life and Ministry of the Bishop”. The topic was in line with the theme of the XII General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in the Vatican on October 5-26, 2008.

The Conference elected its delegates for the XII General Assembly of Synod of Bishops during the plenary assembly.

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