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VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE
YEAR XXII - N° 167
DATE 19-09-2012
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 imp
ortant
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.
___________________________________________________________
Per ulteriori informazioni e per la ricerca di documenti consultare il
sito: www.wisnews.org e www.vatican.va
Il servizio del VIS viene inviato soltanto agli indirizzi di posta
elettronica che ne hanno fatto richiesta. Se per qualunque motivo
non si desidera continuare a riceverlo, si prega di visitare nostra pagina
dinizio:
http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vis/italinde.php
Copyright (VIS): Le notizie contenute nei servizi del Vatican
Information Service possono essere riprodotte parzialmente o totalmente
citando la fonte: V.I.S. - Vatican Information Service.
--Boundary_(ID_fW0N9VCvycWisPZnOyqQWA)
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Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT
VISnews120919
VATICAN INFORMATION SERVICE YEAR XXII - N° 167DATE 19-09-2012
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".
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.
Per ulteriori informazioni e per la ricerca di documenti consultare il
sito: www.wisnews.org e www.vatican.va Il servizio del
VIS viene inviato soltanto agli indirizzi di posta elettronica che ne
hanno
fatto richiesta. Se per qualunque motivo non si desidera continuare a
riceverlo, si prega di visitare nostra pagina dinizio: http://212.77.1.245/news_services/press/vi
/italinde.php
Copyright (VIS): Le notizie contenute nei servizi del Vatican
Information Service possono essere riprodotte parzialmente o totalmente
citando la fonte: V.I.S. - Vatican Information Service.
--Boundary_(ID_fW0N9VCvycWisPZnOyqQWA)--
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