Receives Superiors-General in Audience
VATICAN CITY, MAY 8, 2007 (Zenit.org).- To be prophets in today's world, women religious must cultivate an intimate friendship with God, Benedict XVI says.
The Pope said that on Monday in an audience with a group of superiors-general of women's religious congregations, gathered in a plenary assembly that ends Thursday.
"The 'prophet' first listens and contemplates, then speaks, letting himself be totally infused with that love for God that fears nothing and is stronger than death," the Holy Father said to the representatives of 794 religious families.
The Pontiff continued: "An authentic prophet, therefore, is not overly worried about doing works, which is undoubtedly important, but not essential. The prophet tries, above all, to be a witness of God's love, trying to live it in today's world, even if his presence is considered 'uncomfortable' to some, because it offers and incarnates alternative values.
"Only union with God can cause and strengthen the 'prophetic' role of your mission, which consists in the 'proclamation of the heavenly kingdom,' an indispensable proclamation in every age and society."
Search for Christ
Benedict XVI encouraged the superiors to make their primary concern that of helping "your fellow sisters to search for Christ and place themselves in generous service to the Gospel."
He added: "Do not give in to the temptation of distancing yourselves from intimacy with your heavenly Spouse by letting yourselves be captured by the concerns and problems of everyday life.
"Do not tire of making every possible effort for the human, cultural and spiritual formation of those entrusted to you, so that they will be able to respond to the modern cultural and social challenges."
In her greeting to Benedict XVI, the president of the International Union of Superiors-General, Sister Therezinha Rasera, said: "We believe that our mission is, above all else, caring for life, wherever it is threatened.
"We are present in places of poverty, conflict, tensions, wars and in the most remote corners of the planet, often experiencing the same conditions and destiny of people who are suffering."
Code: ZE07050802
Date: 2007-05-08