VERITAS IN CARITATE
Archbishop
Stephen Brislin: Pope Benedict please keep writing.
H.E. Archbishop Stephen Brislin
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Catholics
throughout the world have been taken by surprise by the resignation of Pope
Benedict XVI, which was announced yesterday. Most have been saddened by this
announcement because we recognize and acknowledge the courage of Pope Benedict
during his almost 8 years of the Pontificate. His has not been an easy Papacy
due to the many difficult issues that he has had to deal with over these years,
not least the scandal of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. He has been under an
enormous amount of pressure from various groups, such as those, which advocate
for the ordination of women and those, which promote gay marriages.
In these difficult
times he has stood from and re-affirmed Catholic teaching. In some quarters
this has not made him popular and he has had to endure inordinate criticism.
But his fidelity to Christ's teaching has made him a true Shepherd and a
true Teacher of the faith and in this he has inspired and strengthened his
brothers and sisters in the service of Jesus Christ. He has greatly enriched
the Church with his theology and writings. His clear mind and deep thought have
made a positive contribution to the life of the Church. He reached out to victims
of abuse and, on behalf of the Church, sought their forgiveness. His
encyclicals taught us on the love of God, on the need to seek justice in the
economy and to strive for a new economic order, his post-synodal document Africae
Munus called on all Africans to be in the service of
justice, peace and
reconciliation. He has
deepened relationships with
leaders of Christian denominations, those of other
Faiths and political leaders – a fact which has been acknowledged by many world
leaders over the past twenty-four hours.
Pope Benedict's
decision to resign is a humble act based on his recognition of his failing
physical help and the need for the Church to have a Pope who has strength both
in body and mind. It is quite clear that this difficult and agonizing decision
has been made for the good and the love of the Church. We respect and
acknowledge his humility and his willingness to make sacrifices for the greater
good of the People of God. It is certainly not the first time we have witnessed
the humility, gentleness and love of this great man. We have only to think of
occasions such as his visit to the United Kingdom to be reminded of how he
touched and changed the lives of many people.
While we may be
saddened by his resignation we do recognize that the Pope, after frequent
examination of conscience, believes that this is the right course of action at
this time in the life of the Church. We respect that and we, as Catholics, must
continue to pray for Pope Benedict that he will continue to give service to
Christ and his Church in a new way. I call upon you all to pray for him daily
that the Lord may continue to strengthen and protect him.
Furthermore, we
know that God never deserts his flock. The Lord will not desert us at this time
and we too need to strengthen our faith and trust in God's continued salvific
action in the world today. As we enter this new phase of the life of the
Church, I call upon all to pray daily in your private prayers, during the
Celebration of the Eucharist and in other liturgical events, to pray that the
Holy Spirit will guide and lead those who are entrusted with the responsibility
of selecting a successor to Pope Benedict. As we enter this time of Lent it is
most appropriate to strengthen our prayer and fasting that God's will be done
and that the right person will be elected Pope to lead us through the times
that lie ahead.
May God bless you and your families and always
keep you true to Him.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
Archbishop Stephen Brislin
President
Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference
Source:
Southern African Catholic
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