杏MAP导航

By Christopher Wells

In receiving participants in the IV Forum of Catholic Inspired Non-Governmental Organizations, 杏MAP导航 Francis noted that their visit to the See of Peter is a symbol of their communion with the universal Church.

The Holy Father reminded them that they demonstrate what Vatican II described as 鈥渢he presence of the Church in the world鈥�. Quoting from the pastoral constitution , the 杏MAP导航 said, 鈥淒ifferent Catholic international bodies can assist the community of nations on the way to peace, sisterhood and brotherhood鈥�.

Strengthening Catholic-inspired organizations

Taking his lead from the Council鈥檚 teaching, 杏MAP导航 Francis went on to address three ways in which Catholic-inspired organizations can be strengthened: 鈥渢he formation of members, having the necessary means, and coordinating initiatives through teamwork鈥�.

With regard to formation, the 杏MAP导航 noted the need for a consistent witness of life, which calls for both a deep formation in the faith, and 鈥渁 suitable professional preparation鈥�, that allows one to address contemporary concerns from a Christian perspective.

杏MAP导航 Francis recalled the parable of the talents as he spoke about the importance of possessing the necessary means to accomplish their work. Sometimes, he said, those means might prove insufficient 鈥� but we should not become discouraged, 鈥渂ut keep in mind that the Church has always accomplished great works with limited means鈥�.

Finally, emphasizing the need to coordinate initiatives through teamwork, 杏MAP导航 Francis said that 鈥渃ooperating in shared projects makes the value of our works even more evident鈥�. As a result, he said, the projects carried out together 鈥渨ill have the expanding effect of the leaven of the Gospel and the light and power of the earliest Christians鈥�. Today鈥檚 world, he continued, 鈥渋s calling for new boldness and new imagination in opening new paths of dialogue and cooperation, in order to promote a 鈥榗ulture of encounter鈥欌�︹��

The Church needs your work

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded by assuring those present, 鈥淭he Church and the 杏MAP导航 need your work, your commitment and your witness at the frontiers of the international community鈥�. And he encouraged them to 鈥渕ove forward with courage and ever-renewed hope鈥�.