VATICAN CITY, OCT. 19, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI urged Congolese bishops to promote the Christian family, despite cultural obstacles such as the exorbitant cost of dowries.
The Pope made that appeal today when he received in audience eight prelates from the Congolese bishops' conference, who were completing their five-yearly visit.
The Holy Father addressed a variety of topics relevant to the situation in Congo.
He emphasized "the specific and concrete contribution of bishops in establishing peace and reconciliation in the country," and made a call "to Christians and to the entire population to open the way to reconciliation so that ethnic and social differences, experienced with mutual respect and love, become a shared wealth and not a cause for division."
The Pontiff referred to the bishops' report that a "real dynamism" is needed in local Churches. He said that the witness of charity is a key element.
"Places in which the Gospel is lived and charity -- especially with the poor -- is practiced, demonstrate a form of pastoral care based on the idea of proximity, and also constitute a strong bulwark against the sects," he said.
Key points
Benedict XVI gave special attention to the issue of Christian families in Congo, and the formation of priests.
He urged the prelates to concern themselves "with the initial and permanent Christian formation of the faithful, ensuring they understand the Christian mystery, and base themselves on the reading of Scripture and sacramental life." And he asked them to help priests to lead "an ever more dignified and holy existence, rooted in a profound spiritual life and an emotional maturity lived in celibacy."
"By remaining close to priests," the Pope continued, "you will be for them models of priestly life and help them to a greater awareness of the sacramental fraternity that comes into being with ordination.
"I call upon the many Congolese priests who live outside their country to give serious consideration to the pastoral needs of their dioceses, and to take the necessary decisions in response to the urgent appeals of their diocesan Churches," he added
The Pontiff said that "the noticeable reduction in the number of canonical marriages is a real challenge facing the family. ... Civil legislation, the weakening of the family structure, and the weight of certain traditional practices, especially the exorbitant cost of dowries, are a real brake on young people's commitment to marriage."
"What is needed," the Holy Father concluded, "is a profound pastoral reflection in order to promote the dignity of Christian marriage, the reflection and realization of Christ's love for his Church. It is important to help couples to achieve the human and spiritual maturity necessary to undertake ... their mission as Christian spouses and parents, reminding them that their love is unique, indissoluble, and that marriage contributes to the full realization of their human and Christian vocation."
About half of the country's 65 million inhabitants are Catholic.
ZE07101909 - 2007-10-19