ROME, DEC. 10, 2001 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II sent a congratulatory message on Saturday to the members of the Sodality of Christian Life, on the 30th anniversary of its foundation.
In a message signed by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, to Luis Fernando Figari, founder of this society of apostolic life, the Holy Father invites its members to aspire «always to holiness, to which every baptized person is called.»
Likewise, the Pope encourages them to give «living witness of the Gospel in today´s society and cooperate with generosity and authentic spirit of service to the mission of the Church, in perfect communion with its pastors.»
The principal anniversary celebration took place in the Church of Our Lady of Reconciliation in Lima — the movement was born in Peru — and was presided over by Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.
Among those participating in the Mass were Archbishop Rino Passigato, apostolic nuncio in Peru, and Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani, archbishop of Lima.
The Sodality of Christian Life is the origin of a spiritual family that includes the Christian Life Movement, the Marian Fraternity of Reconciliation, the Handmaids of the Plan of God, and the Fraternity of Our Lady of Reconciliation. Figari founded all these associations.
The sodality has communities of fraternal life in dioceses of Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Italy. Their members are committed to the evangelization of culture, work with youth, assistance to the neediest, and development of families.
