Posted on 02/02/2009 8:06:58 AM PST by tcg
His first message to the faithful - and to the world as millions watched by television and internet - emphasized his commitment to reaching out to the young, his dedication to working with those whom he called the “sister churches” and his strong intention to combat “moral relativism”. Each of these is, of course, being received with great hope and optimism by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. They echo so clearly the missionary mindset and urgent mission of his own Papacy. Finally, they signal to millions of Christian faithful the goodness of God in his response to their prayers.
Polls in Russia indicate that only 5 percent of Russians are observant in the practice of their Orthodox Christian faith. Less than 30 percent express their commitment to following the moral teaching of the Church. This again shows how much the new Patriarch shares with his brother, Pope Benedict XVI. They are both called to lead what the late Servant of God John Paul II called a “New Evangelization”, a phrase by which he referred to the desperate need to re - evangelize and properly catechize the baptized members of the Church. Only a truly faithful lay faithful can rise to the challenges presented in what many believers are convinced is a new missionary age for the Church.
(Excerpt) Read more at catholic.org ...
I'll bet it didn't cost as much as 0bama's enthronement.
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