Treasures of Aparecida

From May 9 to 14, 2007, Benedict XVI was in Brazil. This was his first visit as Pope to South America, and to Brazil - one of the countries with the highest Catholic populations in the world.

This visit also coincided with the Fifth General Conference of the Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean which was held in Aparecida from May 13 to 31, 2007. During the opening session, the Holy Father addressed the representatives who were gathered, recognizing many blessings as well as numerous challenges which currently face the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean: 'In the ecclesial communities of Latin America there is a notable degree of maturity in faith among the many active lay men and women devoted to the Lord, and there are also many generous catechists, many young people, new ecclesial movements and recently established Institutes of consecrated life. Many Catholic educational, charitable or housing initiatives have proved essential. Yet it is true that one can detect a certain weakening of Christian life in society overall and of participation in the life of the Catholic Church, due to secularism, hedonism, indifferentism and proselytism by numerous sects, animist religions and new pseudo-religious phenomena.'

His Holiness encouraged the delegates to accept the new and difficult choices before them, and to see this gathering as an occasion to promote 'renewal and revitalization of (the) faith (of God's people) in Christ, our one Teacher and Saviour, who has revealed to us the unique experience of the infinite love of God the Father for mankind. From this source, new paths and creative pastoral plans will be able to emerge, capable of instilling a firm hope for living out the faith joyfully and responsibly, and thus spreading it in one’s own surroundings.'

In the midst of one of the most Catholic countries in the world, Benedict XVI called upon the delegates to pay particular attention to establishing or enhancing pastoral programmes aimed at increasing the appreciation of the importance of Sunday Mass. Other priorities he mentioned include:

• finding ways for the Church to contribute to the solution of urgent social and political problems and the challenge of poverty and destitution;
• strengthening the family;
• paying particular attention to youth;
• promoting vocations to priesthood and religious life; and
• the particular calling for lay faithful in the life and work of the Church.

Two days ago, ZENIT reported that the Holy Father issued a letter on June 29, 2007 approving the final document issued at the conclusion of the meeting in Aparecida.

In his Letter, the Pope calls for the final document "to be a light and a stimulus for fruitful pastoral and evangelizing work in the years to come," observing that the text contains "many useful pastoral indications motivated with rich reflections in the light of the faith and of the current social situation. "Among them," the Pope adds, "I read with particular appreciation the exhortation for priority to be given, in pastoral programs, to the Eucharist and the sanctification of the Day of the Lord, as well as the expressed wish to strengthen the Christian formation of the faithful in general and of pastoral workers in particular. In this context I was happy to learn of the desire to create a 'Continental Mission,' which episcopal conferences and dioceses are all called to study and put into effect, channeling all their vital energies to this end."

Two Canadian bishops as well as a delegation of bishops from the United States of America were in attendance during the General Conference held in Brazil as well as delegates from the Conferences of Bishops from various parts of Latin and South America and the Caribbean.