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Mes

diciembre, 2008

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 12, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Good catechesis leads to strong Christian families, and this in turn is fertile soil for priestly vocations, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope said this today when he received bishops of Taiwan in Rome for their five-yearly visit.

The Holy Father took words from the Church's liturgy this week: "Comfort, give comfort to my people," saying that this was a neat summary of his message to the bishops.

"You are never alone! United to the Father through the Son and in the Holy Spirit, you, together with all your brothers in the episcopate, are graced with that 'affective collegiality' that strengthens you to preach the Gospel and care for the needs of the Lord's flock," he said. "Indeed, your celebration of the 150th anniversary of Catholic evangelization in Taiwan is an occasion to manifest ever more eagerly your oneness with each other and with our Lord as you together promote the Church's common apostolate."

The Pontiff praised the Taiwanese prelates' desire to "cooperate more closely in spreading the Gospel among non-believers and forming those already initiated into the Church through baptism and confirmation."

Taiwan's almost 23 million people are mostly Buddhist and Taoist (93%), with only 4.5% of the population being Christian.

Catechists

In this context, Benedict XVI said that priority must be given to the "thorough preparation" of catechists.

"Once again, it is essential to take into consideration the array of settings in which they work and to furnish them with the necessary resources so that they may follow the example of Jesus in speaking the truth straightforwardly and in a way readily accessible to all," he said. "With their active support, you will be able to draw up well-planned catechetical programs that employ a progressive and gradual methodology, so that from year to year an ever-deepening encounter with the Triune God may be fostered among your people."

And, he asserted that "effective catechesis inevitably builds stronger families, which in turn give birth to new priestly vocations."

"The family, as you know, is that 'first and vital cell': the prototype for every level of society," the Pope affirmed. "[…] Founded on an irrevocable covenant, the family leads people to discover goodness, beauty and truth, so that they may perceive their unique destiny and learn how to contribute to the building up of a civilization of love. […] Never tire in promoting just civil legislation and policies that protect the sacredness of marriage. Safeguard this sacrament from all that can harm it, especially the deliberate taking of life in its most vulnerable stages."

The Holy Father also focused attention on the problems related to migration. He said he was pleased to note that "the Church in Taiwan has been actively advocating laws and policies that protect the human rights of migrants. As you know, many of those who arrive on your shores not only share in the fullness of the Catholic communion, but also carry with them the unique cultural heritage of their respective places of origin. I encourage you to continue welcoming them with affection so that they may receive the assiduous pastoral care that will assure them of their belonging to the 'family of the faith.'"

China

The Bishop of Rome also encouraged the bishops of Taiwan, in their "pastoral responsibility for the universal Church across the globe," to have a "loving concern for Catholics on the mainland, whom I constantly hold in prayer."

"You and the Christian faithful in Taiwan are a living sign that, in a justly ordered society, one need not fear to be a faithful Catholic and a good citizen," he affirmed. "I pray that as part of the great Chinese Catholic family, you will continue to be spiritually united with your brethren on the mainland."

Benedict XVI concluded by acknowledging that the Taiwanese bishops sometimes face obstacles that "can seem overwhelming."

But, he said, "The Lord indeed dwells among us! He continues to teach us by his word and feed us with his body and blood. […] I am confident that your faithful celebration of the Holy Sacrifice will prepare you and your people to meet the Lord when he comes again."

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Full text: www.zenit.org/article-24551?l=english

Archives

Synthesis of "Dignitas Personae"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 12, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The synthesis of the instruction «Dignitas Personae» that was released today by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on certain bioethical questions is available on ZENIT’s Web page.

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Spirituality

Synthesis of Instruction "Dignitas Personae"

VATICAN CITY, DEC. 12, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is the synthesis of the instruction «Dignitas Personae» that was released today by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on certain bioethical questions. It was published in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Polish.

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Regarding the Instruction Dignitas Personae

Aim

In recent years, biomedical research has made great strides, opening new possibilities for the treatment of disease, but also giving rise to serious questions which had not been directly treated in the Instruction Donum vitae (22 February 1987). A new Instruction, which is dated 8 September 2008, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, seeks to provide some responses to these new bioethical questions, as these have been the focus of expectations and concerns in large sectors of society. In this way, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith seeks both to contribute «to the formation of conscience» (n. 10) and to encourage biomedical research respectful of the dignity of every human being and of procreation.

Title

The Instruction opens with the words Dignitas personae – the dignity of a person, which must be recognized in every human being from conception to natural death. This fundamental principle expresses «a great ‘yes’ to human life and must be at the center of ethical reflection on biomedical research» (n. 1).

Value

The document is an Instruction of a doctrinal nature, published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and expressly approved by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. The Instruction therefore falls within the category of documents that «participate in the ordinary Magisterium of the successor of Peter» (Instruction Donum veritatis, n.18), and is to be received by Catholics «with the religious assent of their spirit» (Dignitas personae, n. 37).

Preparation

For several years, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has been studying new biomedical questions with a view to updating the Instruction Donum vitae. In undertaking the examination of such new questions, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith «has benefited from the analysis of the Pontifical Academy for Life and has consulted numerous experts with regard to the scientific aspects of these questions, in order to address them with the principles of Christian anthropology. The Encyclicals Veritatis splendor and Evangelium vitae of John Paul II, as well as other interventions of the Magisterium, offer clear indications with regard to both the method and the content of the examination of the problems under consideration» (n. 2).

Intended recipients of the document

The Instruction is meant for «all who seek the truth» (n. 3). Indeed, in presenting principles and moral evaluations regarding biomedical research on human life, the Catholic Church «draws upon the light both of reason and of faith and seeks to set forth an integral vision of man and his vocation, capable of incorporating everything that is good in human activity, as well as in various cultural and religious traditions which not infrequently demonstrate a great reverence for life» (n. 3).

Structure

The Instruction has three parts: «the first recalls some anthropological, theological and ethical elements of fundamental importance; the second addresses new problems regarding procreation; the third examines new procedures involving the manipulation of embryos and the human genetic patrimony» (n. 3).

First Part:

Anthropological, Theological and Ethical Aspects of Human Life and Procreation