The Catholic bishops of Belarus have chosen for the year 2007 the slogan “We are all called to holiness”. Contrary to the common perception that holiness is only possible for the chosen few, and in conformity with the Pope’s teaching during the general audience of 31 January, the bishops remind the faithful that, according to the Gospel, all that is needed to be saints is to respect God’s commandments. The bishops of Belarus devote special attention to priests who “are the first to be called to holiness as an example for the faithful entrusted to them”. This is followed by an exhortation to the consecrated and finally to the laity, “without whom the Church would not a Church”. “Don’t be discouraged – the bishops exhort – by the trends of relativism and secularization”. Another important event in the life of the Catholic Church of Belarus was the Day for the Consecrated Life solemnly celebrated in the cathedral of Minsk by the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese of Minsk, Antoni Dzamianka; the rite was attended by all the consecrated persons working in Belarus today. In his homily the bishop thanked all of them and in particular the missionaries working in Belarus.
