An invitation to renew every effort "to show everybody the merciful face of the Lord, of which the Church is asked to be the image, by accompanying and serving, in particular, the people who suffer and the most abandoned with generosity and dedication": this morning, that invitation was made by Benedict XVI to the Guatemalan bishops in ad limina visit. And the Pope invited them also to take into consideration "the violence increase and the poverty affecting large sectors of the population, causing remarkable migration to other countries, with serious consequences in the personal and familiar sphere". As positive datum, the Pope recalls "the deep religious sentiment of the Guatemalan population": "You know well he said, addressing the bishops that faith firmness and participation in sacraments strengthen your believers before the risk of sects", which "create disorientation and can put ecclesial communion in danger". "The tradition of your cultures went on the Holy Father is represented by the family, the fundamental cell of society, the fundamental core of existence meant for faith and value transmission; but today, the family has to face serious pastoral and human challenges". Therefore, "the Church always dedicates itself, with special attention, to shaping those who are preparing for marriage in a solid way". (To be continued)
