Praises Work of Rehabilitation Center
GUARATINGUETA, Brazil, MAY 13, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI put the drug traffickers of the world on notice and asked young people to open their hearts to Christ's message.
The Pope said this on Saturday morning when he visited a "Fazenda da Esperança " (Farm of Hope) in Guaratingueta, a rehabilitation center for young people with drug addictions. The center is located 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the shrine of Aparecida.
The Pontiff said that "Brazil's statistics concerning drug abuse and other forms of chemical dependency are very high," and noted that this is also "true of Latin America in general."
"I therefore urge the drug dealers to reflect on the grave harm they are inflicting on countless young people and on adults from every level of society: God will call you to account for your deeds," the Holy Father said.
Benedict XVI emphasized that human dignity "cannot be trampled upon in this way. The harm done will receive the same censure that Jesus reserved for those who gave scandal to the 'little ones,' the favorites of God."
The Pope wished "pax et bonum" (peace and good) -- a traditional Franciscan greeting -- to all those undergoing treatment, as well as to "those who have been cured, volunteers, families, those who have already been through the program and benefactors."
The light
The Holy Father continued: "The Church of today needs a renewed awareness of its task to draw the world's attention to the voice of him who says, 'I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
"It is the Pope's mission to renew in the hearts of people everywhere that light which does not grow dim, because it seeks to illumine the depths of every soul that seeks the true good and peace that the world cannot give."
"All that this light needs is a heart open to the desire for God," Benedict XVI said. "God does not force us, he does not oppress our individual freedom; he simply asks for openness in the inner sanctum of our conscience, through which pass all our noblest aspirations, as well as the affections and disordered passions which tend to obscure the message of the Almighty."
The Holy Father added, "Jesus comes and gently knocks at the hearts of those properly disposed." He said that the Lord does this "through a friend or a priest, or, who knows, perhaps he arranged a series of coincidences which enabled you to realize that you are loved by God."
God's love
The Pope said to the staff of the "Fazendas da Esperança" that "the conversions, the rediscovery of God and active participation in the life of the Church ... confirm the importance of your work."
"It is not enough to care for the body, we must adorn the soul with the most precious divine gifts acquired through baptism," he added.
At the end of his address the Pontiff mentioned of "many other institutions throughout the world which work to rebuild and renew the lives of these brothers and sisters of ours present in our midst, whom God loves with a preferential love."
Code: ZE07051301
Date: 2007-05-13