Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
21 September 2007
Vatican — In a meeting with bishops from Benin who have just completed their five-yearly visit to the Vatican, Pope Benedict Praised the prelates for their pastoral commitment in the West African nation.
The Pope noted how, over recent years, the bishops had "shown great evangelical courage in guiding the people of God through numerous difficulties" and "showing pastoral concern for the great questions facing society, especially in the field of justice and human rights."
After encouraging the African prelates "to develop an authentic spirituality of communion," both among themselves and with their priests, the Holy Father called on priests to maintain "an intense spiritual life."
Referring them to the influence of tradition on social life, the Pope highlighted the need "to stimulate the best aspects of tradition and to reject its harmful elements, which cause damage, and nourish fear and exclusion."
In this context he affirmed that "in order to help the faithful compare their faith with 'traditional' beliefs, a solid Christian formation is necessary" which, furthermore, "will teach them to pray with faith."
He encouraged communities of contemplative life "to continue to be - through their discreet presence - a permanent call for all believers to seek the face of God tirelessly and to thank Him for all His gifts."
In the "cultural context" of Benin, said Pope Benedict, "it is necessary that the church's presence be expressed through visible signs which indicate the authentic meaning of her mission to humankind. Among these signs, enthusiastic and animated liturgical celebrations have a pre-eminent place. They are an eloquent testimony of the faith of your communities at the very heart of society. For this reason, it is important for the faithful to participate in the liturgy fully, actively and fruitfully."
But he cautioned against "introducing into the liturgy elements incompatible with Christian faith, or actions that may generate confusion."
The Holy Father then recalled how the bishops had publicly defended, "courageously and in various circumstances, the values of the family and of respect for life" against "ideologies that propose models or attitudes opposed to an authentic concept of human life."
He called for proper human and spiritual formation of the faithful to face the difficulties "in committing to Christian marriage and remaining faithful to the vows they have made."
Benedict expressed satisfaction with "the atmosphere of mutual understanding that characterizes relations between Christians and Muslims" in Benin.
"In order to avoid the development of any kind of intolerance and to prevent all forms of violence, it is necessary to pursue sincere dialogue, founded on an ever greater mutual understanding, especially through human relationships, agreement on the values of life, and mutual cooperation in everything that promotes universal wellbeing.
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