"Today, the diocesan clergy is asked to play a more and more important role in evangelization, by collaborating with missionaries in a brotherly and trustful way, whose brave commitment must be pointed out. Priests must live their sacerdotal identities by giving themselves to the Lord completely, for the disinterested service of their brothers". Those words were spoken by Benedict XVI this morning, while he received in audience the bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Mali, led by Msgr. Jean-Gabriel Diarra, president of the Conference itself, on the occasion of their "ad Limina Apostolorum" visit. After recalling that "life in prayer and sacraments, for priests, is a real pastoral priority", in relation to clergy training, Benedict XVI added: "Human training is the foundation for sacerdotal training. Paying special attention to their affection maturity will allow priests to give a free answer to the life in bachelorhood and chastity, precious gifts of God. They will also be allowed to have solid consciences throughout their whole existences". Moreover, the Pope addressed the second Special Assembly of the Bishops’ Synod for Africa. He told them that "the believers’ commitment in the service of reconciliation, justice and peace is a pressing imperative". (To be continued)
