Friday, March 4, 2011

Parents have primary role in children’s education, pope says

Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Addressing Filipino bishops on March 3, the pope highlighted the importance of catechesis for families in the face of negative influences that threaten to destroy its rights and integrity.

He told the bishops to reach out to families and educate parents on “their role as the first educators of their children in the faith.”

The pope lauded the bishops’ efforts even as he singled out the contributions of “many religious sisters and lay catechists” in the ministry.

“The deep personal piety of your people needs to be nourished and supported by a profound understanding of and appreciation for the teachings of the Church in matters of faith and morals,” the pope stressed.

Peace dialogue

Alluding on the ongoing peace dialogue in Mindanao, the Holy Father said “dialogue with other religions remains a high priority, especially in the southern areas of your country.”

“I commend you for the work you have already done and I encourage you, by means of the dialogue that has been established, to continue to promote the path to true and lasting peace with all of your neighbors, never failing to treat each person, no matter his or her beliefs, as created in the image of God,” said the Holy Father.

Seek the “lost sheep”

The pope urged the bishops to seek out “the lost sheep” and make sure “that all the faithful draw life from the great gift given to us in the Sacred Mysteries.”

He told the prelates not to "grow weary of doing good" as “the greatest good that we can offer those whom we serve is given to us in the Eucharist.”

“It is heartening that many Filipinos attend Sunday Mass, but this does not leave room for complacency on your part as shepherds,” the pope said.

The last batch of bishops from Mindanao and Lipa are in Rome, Feb. 21 to March 5 for their five-yearly ad limina visit. 

Pope tells Filipino bishops: take care of your clergy

Pope Benedict urged Philippine bishops to put a premium in the ongoing formation of the clergy and to guide them to spiritual maturity.

The bishops have a paternal duty towards their clergy and should guide them with sincere concern, said the pope.

The Holy Father said the statement on March 3, during the “ad limina visit” of Mindanao bishops and the Archbishop of Lipa.

He lauded the continuing formation programs many dioceses have for the young clergy to help them adjust to an independent life outside the seminary.  

“Along these lines, it is also helpful for them to be assigned mentors from among those older priests who have proven themselves to be faithful servants of the Lord,” he said.

“These men can guide their younger confrères along the path toward a mature and well-balanced way of priestly living,” the pope added.

Saying that “priests of all ages” need continuous care in all aspects of their priestly life, the Holy Father also encouraged that “regular days of recollection, yearly retreats and convocations, as well as programs for continuing education and assistance for priests who may be facing difficulties”, be promoted.

He also urged the bishops to look after the well-being of their priests assigned in isolated areas.

The pontiff noted how the Second National Congress for the Clergy held during the Year for Priests “became an occasion for renewal and fraternal support” among the clergy.

He encouraged the prelates to benefit from the annual celebration of Holy Thursday, “during which the Church commemorates the priesthood in a special way.”

 “Remind your priests of their commitment to celibacy, obedience, and an ever greater dedication to pastoral service,” the pope told the bishops.

“In living out their promises, these men will become true spiritual fathers with a personal and psychological maturity that will grow to mirror the paternity of God,” he added.