The Pope praised the evangelising work carried out by the religious communities and the role the lay Catholics "are playing in the parishes as catechists and agents of the Word". "An important aspect of the pastoral ministry lies in working ceaselessly to raise the devotees’ awareness of the fact that, because of their baptism and confirmation, they are called to live the fullness of charity, taking part in the same saving mission as that of the Church he commented . Through the testimony of their Christian life, they can bring the light of the message of Christ into all areas of society, attracting to the ecclesial community those people whose faith has weakened or who are distant from it". Hence the need for a "sound training" of the lay devotees. "Pastoral care" must be taken of marriage and the family, "the soundness and stability of which are so beneficial to the Church and society". Mentioning the important step that has been taken by adding an explicit acknowledgement of marriage in the Constitution of Honduras", Benedict XVI warned that "having a good legislation is not enough if then one does not accomplish that essential cultural and catechistic work that will make society shine with the truth and beauty of marriage, a veritable perpetual alliance of life and love between a man and a woman".
