At the general audience, Benedict XVI described the figure of St Basil, bishop and saint of the IV century, and he also mentioned the World Youth Day to be held next year in Sydney: “It is not only an event, but a time of profound spiritual renewal, which will be of benefit to all society.”

Vatican City (AsiaNews) – “Each of us, by spreading divine charity, should contribute to building a world that is more just and more in solidarity.” This was the invitation made today by Benedict XVI to those who attended the general audience. He took his cue from the example of St Basil, bishop, who he described as “luminary of the Church, who both the Church of the East and that of the West looked upon with admiration.”

The audience was divided into two, the custom of this summer season, with some of the faithful in the Vatican Basilica and the rest in Paul VI Hall. The Pope continued in his description of the more eminent personalities of the Church of the first centuries. Today, his thoughts were dedicated to this saint of the IV century.

Speaking about the man who was bishop of Caesarea in modern-day Turkey from 370, Benedict XVI underlined the “excellence” of his doctrine and his life. Spontaneously he added: “He was a man of love for his neighbour and a man full of hope, joy and faith: he shows us how to be truly Christian.” But he was also a defender of the orthodoxy of the faith: “with wisdom and courage, he knew how to oppose heretics”, and he was defined by Pope Ratzinger as “one of the great fathers who founded the doctrine of the Trinity.”

He continued: “With wise equilibrium, he knew how to join the service to souls with dedication to prayer and meditation in solitude” and with “incessant works of foundation of works of charity.” He “rendered true testimony to God, love, and charity”, with the construction of what may be called a “city of mercy”, the origin of modern hospital structures. Bishop and pastor, “he was constantly concerned about the difficult material conditions of his faithful, he committed himself to the poor and marginalized, even lobbying with the authorities to alleviate the suffering of the people,” and he “looked out for the freedom of the Church, opposing the powerful to affirm the right to proclaim one’s faith.”

The pope continued to say that “various legislators of ancient monastic life” drew from St Basil, “including St Benedict”, who used to describe him as his teacher. His was not a monasticism “shut in convents” but part of the local Church, animating it through and through.

Starting out from the figure of Basil, the Pope finally indicated what the characteristics of a bishop should be: “Apostle and Minister of Christ, dispenser of the mysteries of God, herald of the kingdom, model and rule of piety, eye of the body of the Church, shepherd of the sheep of Christ, merciful doctor, father and wet-nurse, cooperator of God, farmer of God, builder of the temple of God.”

Finally, the pope had a word of encouragement for young people who are preparing for World Youth Day, “not just an event, but a time of profound spiritual renewal, which will be of benefit to all society”, due to take place within a year in Sydney, Australia.  He added: “I have noted that against the wave of secularism, many young people are rediscovering the satisfying quest for authentic beauty, goodness and truth. Through your testimony, help them in their search for the Spirit of God. Be courageous in this witness; commit yourselves to spreading the light of Christ, who makes an invitation for all of life, making it possible for each one to have permanent joy and happiness.”

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