Today all the Bishops of Switzerland came to Rome for the "official closing" of their 2005 ad limina visit. The final session had to be scrubbed at the time the bishops were in Rome due to the serious illness of Pope John Paul, II. Here are a few paragraphs provided by Catholic World News. As I read them, I feel myself pulled into the "lingo" that we had come to understand as the "voice" of Cardinal Ratzinger, Prefect of the Congregation for the Defense of the Faith.
In Switzerland today, the Pope observed, secularization has led to a drop in Mass attendance and a questioning of fundamental moral principles. He pointed to the increase in divorce and abortion, the acceptance of same-sex unions, and the breakdown of family life as "evident signs of de-Christianization" in the country.To counteract the tendency to live "as if God does not exist," the Pope said that Swiss Church leaders must be clear and forceful in proclaiming the truths of Catholic doctrine, and "invite the faithful to a full acceptance of Church teaching."
Speaking next against liturgical abuse, the Holy Father reminded the bishops that the faithful have a right to participate in the Eucharistic liturgy, offered "in accordance with the rules laid down by the Church." He asked the bishops to ensure proper attention to liturgical norms. He reminded them that the sacramental ministry of priests should be clearly distinguished from the role of the laity.
The sacrament of Penance deserves special attention, the Pope continued, speaking of a "crisis" that has arisen because the faithful do not make use of the sacrament. Pope Benedict noted that priests, too, should be encourage to make frequent use of Confession, and asked to set regular hours for individual confessions of the faithful. The Pontiff reminding the visiting bishops that general absolution can only be used under "truly exceptional circumstances."
The Pope returned to the question of doctrinal orthodoxy as he urged the bishops to carefully monitor the formation of future priests. In seminaries and in Catholic schools, he said, the truths of the faith must be properly presented. "A sure and faithful teaching of the tradition and magisterium of the Church," the Pope concluded, "will ensure that everyone discovers the richness of Catholic faith."
Now some of these directives should stir up a few comments from usual commentators to this blog. I look forward to reading them, as I am sure many of you do.
In Switzerland today, the Pope observed, secularization has led to a drop in Mass attendance and a questioning of fundamental moral principles. He pointed to the increase in divorce and abortion, the acceptance of same-sex unions, and the breakdown of family life as "evident signs of de-Christianization" in the country.To counteract the tendency to live "as if God does not exist," the Pope said that Swiss Church leaders must be clear and forceful in proclaiming the truths of Catholic doctrine, and "invite the faithful to a full acceptance of Church teaching."
Speaking next against liturgical abuse, the Holy Father reminded the bishops that the faithful have a right to participate in the Eucharistic liturgy, offered "in accordance with the rules laid down by the Church." He asked the bishops to ensure proper attention to liturgical norms. He reminded them that the sacramental ministry of priests should be clearly distinguished from the role of the laity.
The sacrament of Penance deserves special attention, the Pope continued, speaking of a "crisis" that has arisen because the faithful do not make use of the sacrament. Pope Benedict noted that priests, too, should be encourage to make frequent use of Confession, and asked to set regular hours for individual confessions of the faithful. The Pontiff reminding the visiting bishops that general absolution can only be used under "truly exceptional circumstances."
The Pope returned to the question of doctrinal orthodoxy as he urged the bishops to carefully monitor the formation of future priests. In seminaries and in Catholic schools, he said, the truths of the faith must be properly presented. "A sure and faithful teaching of the tradition and magisterium of the Church," the Pope concluded, "will ensure that everyone discovers the richness of Catholic faith."
Now some of these directives should stir up a few comments from usual commentators to this blog. I look forward to reading them, as I am sure many of you do.
