Pope: spread the culture of justice and peace, even through the "service" of politics
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The spread of the culture of justice and peace, even though the "service" of politics, mission is also welcoming the ‘distant’, twinning with Syrian and Lebanese "peoples tormented by terrible wars: These are the three guidelines traced by Pope for the Community of Christian Life (CVX) and the Students Missionary League, received this morning at the opening of the National Convention of the two Italian groups of Ignatian spirituality, to be held in Frascati from today until 3 May, on the theme "Beyond the walls". Francis said he was familiar with the two associations, of which he recalled that he was national assistant, in Argentina.
"Your roots - he added – are deep within the Marian Congregations, which date back to the first generation of the companions of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It is a long process in which the Association has distinguished itself worldwide for its intense spiritual life and the apostolic zeal of its members, and anticipating, in some ways, the dictates of the Second Vatican Council about the role and service of the laity in the Church. "
"Today - he continued - I would like to offer some spiritual and community guidelines. The first: commitment to promoting a culture of justice and peace. Faced with a culture of lawlessness, corruption and confrontation, you are called to dedicate yourselves to the common good, even through that service to the people that is identified in politics. This, as Blessed Paul VI stated, "is the highest and most demanding form of charity." If Christians step back from direct engagement in politics, it would betray the mission of the lay faithful, who are called to be salt and light in the world through this presence". "As a second apostolic priority I point you to the family ministry, in the wake of the reflections of the last Synod of Bishops. I encourage you to help the diocesan communities in having a special attention for the family, the vital cell of society, and in the accompaniment of engaged couples for marriage.
At the same time, you can work to welcome the so-called ‘distant’: these include many couples who have separated, who are suffering from the failure of their project for married life, as well as other problematic family situations, that can make even the journey of faith and life in the Church arduous". "The third line that I suggest is a missionary one. I was pleased to learn that you have embarked on a common journey with the Students Missionary League, setting out on the streets of the world, ito encounter the poor and the communities most in need of pastoral workers. I encourage you to maintain this ability to go out and go to the frontiers of humanity’s neediest. Today you have invited delegations of members of your community present in the countries you are twinned with, especially in Syria and Lebanon: people battered by terrible wars; to them I renew my affection and my sympathy. These populations are experiencing the time of the Cross, therefore we must help them to feel the love, closeness and support of the whole Church. Your bond of solidarity with them, confirms your mission of creating bridges of peace everywhere. " "Your style of fraternity, that is also engaging in projects to welcome migrants in Sicily, makes you generous in the education of young people, both within your organization and in schools. Ignatius realized that it was necessary to renew society beginning with the young people and stimulated the
opening of colleges. And thus the first Marian Congregations were born. In the wake of this vibrant and fruitful apostolic style, you too can be active in the various educational institutions, Catholic and state run in Italy, as already happens in many parts of the world. At the root of your pastoral action there is always the joy of evangelical witness, combined with a delicate approach and respect for others. May the Virgin Mary, who with her 'Yes' inspired your founders, grant you to respond wholeheartedly to the call to be 'salt and light' in the environments in which you live and work. "
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