"Among the people who totally devote themselves to serving the Gospel, there are in particular some priests who are called to dispense God’s Word, administer the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, devoted to serving the small ones, the sick, the suffering, the poor and those who go though a difficult time in those regions of the Earth where sometimes there are multitudes of people who have not yet had a true encounter with Jesus Christ": in his message, the Pope speaks of the presbyters, recalling the role of the "fidei donum" ones. Of priests, he says: "In the Church, there have always been quite a few men and women who, driven by the action of the Holy Ghost, choose to live the Gospel in a total way, professing the vows of celibacy, poverty and obedience. This array of religious men and women, belonging to many Institutes of Contemplative and Active Life, ‘still play an extremely important role in the evangelisation of the world’". Then, about them, he adds that "they are resourceful, and their apostolate is often marked by a uniqueness, an inventiveness that cannot but be admired. They are generous: you often see them on the outposts of the mission and they take the greatest risks for their health and even for their life. Yes, the Church does owe them a lot". (continued)
