VATICAN CITY, DEC. 12, 2000 (Zenit.org)
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Knowing the legacy of past Christian generations helps later generations to remain faithful to the Church, John Paul II said in a message on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Christian Archaeology.
The message, to Archbishop Zenon Grocholewski, grand chancellor of the institute, reads: “I wish to express to you all the certainty of my spiritual closeness and warmest encouragement to continue in the service you offer in favor of all those concerned with the knowledge and study of the rich historical memories of the Christian community.”
“In this respect, I wish to recall how much my saintly predecessor Damasus, whose liturgical memorial is celebrated today, recommended to the faithful, exhorting them to venerate places that preserved relics,” John Paul II added. “To know the legacy of past Christian generations enables succeeding generations to remain faithful to the depositum received, so that at all times and in all places the one Gospel will resound, which saves and gives life.”
The Pope went on to explain that “along with scientific results, although important, your institute can also offer a fruitful contribution to the knowledge and deepening of the faith. In fact, the study of the vestiges of the people of God facilitates reflection on the contents of their faith, and on the enduring process of inculturation over many centuries.”
The papal message ends with “cordial wishes that the opportune celebration of this anniversary of the Institute of Christian Archaeology may be reason for renewed interest in the study of the noble tradition that so many Christians have left us, as evidence of their adherence to Christ.”
