Faith, Benedict XVI's gift to the universal Church, Indonesian priests say
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The Motu proprio Porta Fidei with which Benedict XVI announced the Year of the Faith is one of the most significant aspects of his pontificate because it drew Catholic attention to the issue of spirituality and the relationship with Jesus Christ, this according to Indonesian priests and theology experts who looked back on the great many acts of importance by the pope for the Church in the third millennium. For them, his call for reflection and personal conversion are an opportunity to renew the Spirit and follow the path laid down "by the greatest servant of Christ" of our era.
According to Fr BS Mardiaatmadja, the apostolic letter of 11 November 2011 with which the pope announced the Year of Faith (from 11 October 2012, 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, until 24 October 2013, feast day of Christ the King) shows the Church and Catholics the path to the more enduring life in Christ. For the theologian, Benedict XVI showed the Church the path towards a "new spirit" and a "special time of divine grace for personal conversion and enhancement of Christian morality" in society.
Speaking at a seminar (pictured) last Sunday in Jakarta, the theologian priest noted, "The world needs witnesses enlightened by God's Word" so that they can prepare their brothers and sisters to enter the faith.
For Fr Mardiaatmadja, it does not matter what one's profession is-doctor, politician, clerk, worker or teacher. Spirituality as the standard on which daily life is based is what counts.
Fr Aloysius Budipurnomo, a diocesan priest in Semarang, noted the continuity between the Blessed John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI in promoting interfaith dialogue with Islam. This was possible because of his "talent, intelligence and deep spirituality".
For the clergyman, who is president of the diocesan commission in charge of relations with Muslims, the pope's insight into the world is remarkable. He understands its problems, and is conscious of the expanding "spiritual desert" in a world that is ever more materialist.
"I appreciate Benedict XVI as the best servant of the Church of the era," Fr Aloysius said, best exemplified by his openness to modern technology and new media as tools of evangelisation. "Thanks to this pontificate, short in length but deep in spirituality."
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