Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 313

ago, ''we must be confident that this time of trial will bring a purification of

the entire Catholic community'', leading to ''a holier priesthood, a holier

episcopate and a holier Church''.15 There are many signs that, during the

intervening period, such purification has indeed been taking place. Christ's

abiding presence in the midst of our suffering is gradually transforming our

darkness into light: all things are indeed being made new in Christ Jesus our

hope.

At this stage a vital part of your task is to strengthen relationships with

your clergy, especially in those cases where tension has arisen between priests

and their bishops in the wake of the crisis. It is important that you continue

to show them your concern, to support them, and to lead by example. In this

way you will surely help them to encounter the living God, and point them

towards the life-transforming hope of which the Gospel speaks. If you your-

selves live in a manner closely configured to Christ, the Good Shepherd, who

laid down his life for his sheep, you will inspire your brother priests to

rededicate themselves to the service of their flocks with Christ-like generos-

ity. Indeed a clearer focus upon the imitation of Christ in holiness of life is

exactly what is needed in order for us to move forward. We need to redis-

cover the joy of living a Christ-centred life, cultivating the virtues, and

immersing ourselves in prayer. When the faithful know that their pastor is

a man who prays and who dedicates his life to serving them, they respond

with warmth and affection which nourishes and sustains the life of the whole

community.

Time spent in prayer is never wasted, however urgent the duties that

press upon us from every side. Adoration of Christ our Lord in the Blessed

Sacrament prolongs and intensifies the union with him that is established

through the Eucharistic celebration.16 Contemplation of the mysteries of the

Rosary releases all their saving power and it conforms, unites and consecrates

us to Jesus Christ.17 Fidelity to the Liturgy of the Hours ensures that the

whole of our day is sanctified and it continually reminds us of the need to

remain focused on doing God's work, however many pressures and distrac-

tions may arise from the task at hand. Thus our devotion helps us to speak

and act in persona Christi, to teach, govern and sanctify the faithful in the

15 Address to the Cardinals of the United States, 23 April 2002, 4. 16 Cf. Sacramentum Caritatis, 66. 17 Cf. Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 11, 15.