Call for an authentic "Church of the poor".Castel Gandolfo Castel Gandolfo (kästĕl` gändôl`fō), town (1991 pop. 6,784), in Latium, central Italy, in the Alban Hills, overlooking Lake Albano. Possibly occupying the site of ancient Alba Longa, it is the papal summer residence. -- John Paul II John Paul II, 1920–2005, pope (1978–2005), a Pole (b. Wadowice) named Karol Józef Wojtyła; successor of John Paul I. He was the first non-Italian pope elected since the Dutch Adrian VI (1522–23) and the first Polish and Slavic pope. says the Catholic Church should be a "Church of the poor" that practises a preferential pref·er·en·tial adj. 1. Of, relating to, or giving advantage or preference: preferential treatment. 2. but not exclusive option for the neediest. The Pope expressed this conviction when he met with a group of bishops from the Philippine provinces of Cagayan de Oro Cagayan de Oro City (pop., 2000: 461,877), northern Mindanao, Philippines. Located along the Cagayan River near the head of Macajalar Bay, it was established as a mission station in the 17th century and fortified by the Spaniards. , Cotabato, Davao, Lipa, Ozamis and Zamboanga on September 25. According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the Pope, such a Church is "a community of faith that embraces and practises the evangelical spirit of poverty, which combines detachment from possessions with a profound trust in the Lord as the sole source of salvation." "We do well to note that this preference for the poor is in no way exclusive but embraces all people regardless of economic class or social standing," he stressed. "It is a Church, however, that gives preferential attention to the poor, seeking to share time and resources in order to alleviate suffering," he said. "It is a Church that works with all sectors of society, including the poor themselves, in search of solutions to the problems of poverty, in order to free people from lives of misery and want." "It is a Church moreover that makes use of the talents and gifts of the poor, relying on them in the mission of evangelization e·van·gel·ize v. e·van·gel·ized, e·van·gel·iz·ing, e·van·gel·iz·es v.tr. 1. To preach the gospel to. 2. To convert to Christianity. v.intr. To preach the gospel. ," the Pope added. "The Church of the poor is a Church in which the poor are welcomed, listened to and actively involved." "This renewal is an undertaking that has the lay faithful as its principal and essential agents. Therefore, the laity LAITY. Those persons who do not make a part of the clergy. In the United States the division of the people into clergy and laity is not authorized by law, but is, merely conventional. must be given the necessary tools to carry out this role successfully. This entails a thorough formation in the Church's social doctrine, and constant dialogue with clergy and religious concerning social and cultural issues," he said. In particular, this option implies "witness to Christian faith in marriage and the family. When family life is healthy and flourishing, there is likewise a strong sense of community and solidarity--two essential elements for the Church of the poor," he concluded. (Zenit, Sept. 26, 2003). |
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