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From Fides ServiceJune 30, 2009
“We, the Bishops of Mozambique, intend neither to undervalue nor
be indifferent to this moment of grace, which we consider an opportune occasion
for collaboration with our priests, with our consecrated men and women and with
the People of God entrusted to our care, to reflect on the beauty and splendor
of the priestly ministry and to express our gratitude to the workers in the
Lord's vineyard in Mozambique” . This statement is part of a Pastoral Letter
issued by the Catholic Bishops of Mozambique for the Year of the Priesthood
proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI.
With this document, a copy of which was sent to Fides, the Bishops wish to “call
attention to the mentality of the world which is a threat to the life and the
spirituality of the priest, and to offer indications for overcoming difficulties
which appear in the life of priests”.
The Letter recalls that “with the sacrament of Holy Orders, God freely and
absolutely calls some members of the faithful to be ministers in the priesthood.
Through the sacrament of Holy Orders priests are inserted in the mystery of
communion: first of all in the communion of the Trinity, with the Father, source
of life, with Christ, the Redeemer and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies”.
This Trinitarian communion of the priest is born from and is consolidated in
ecclesial communion at various levels with the Pope, with the College of
Bishops, with is own diocesan Bishops, with other priests, with the lay faithful
and with the whole human family (cfr Lumen Gentium, 28).
This is why, the Bishops write, “priests participate in the apostolic mission of
the local Bishop to whom they owe love, reverence and filial obedience. In turn
the Bishop must show paternal love and concern for his priests. This
relationship of communion between the Bishop and his priests is realized
especially in prophetic announcement of the Word and obedience to the mandate of
Christ in general and especially in catechesis ”.
A demanding commitment which many young Mozambicans have accepted: “The holy
people of God and the Bishops are filled with spiritual joy to see a growing
number of young men responding generously to the ideal of the priestly life”.
“We see with profound gratitude that many priests live the priesthood with
joyful self denial announcing the Word of God with courage, celebrating the
sacraments with fervor, supporting and leading the Christian community with
great zeal. Others seek with creativity ways to alleviate the sufferings of the
people, or are involved in socio-pastoral activity of education, healthcare,
protection of the poor, in a word, to promote respect for human rights and
dignity”.
The Bishops of Mozambique speak of "evils which tarnish the priestly sacrament”,
such as scarcity of fervor, exaggerated activism, consumerism, ambition for
power, difficult relations with other priests, tension and conflict with
superiors.
The Bishops launch an appeal, “we call on our beloved priests to welcome the
Year of the Priesthood as an opportune time to vivify our response to this
immense gift, with an attitude of permanent and renewed generous and joyous
self-giving. With affection we entrust to Mary all our priests that they may
labor with courage and perseverance in the vineyard of the Lord in Mozambique.
May each and every one experience the maternal help and protection of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of priests”. (L.M.)
