Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 375

Since the Visitators also encountered a certain tendency, not dominant

but nevertheless fairly widespread among priests, Religious and laity, to hold

theological opinions at variance with the teachings of the Magisterium, this

serious situation requires particular attention, directed principally towards

improved theological formation. It must be stressed that dissent from the

fundamental teachings of the Church is not the authentic path towards

renewal.

The Visitation also placed in question the present configuration of Dio-

ceses in Ireland and their ability to respond adequately to the challenges of

the New Evangelization. The Holy See and the local episcopate have already

initiated a joint reflection on this matter, in which the communities con-

cerned are to be involved, with a view to adapting diocesan structures to

make them better suited to the present-day mission of the Church in Ireland.

Finally, the Visitation attested to the great need for the Irish Catholic

community to make its voice heard in the media and to establish a proper

relationship with those active in this field, for the sake of making known the

truth of the Gospel and the Church's life.

* * *

For its part, the Holy See recalls the ongoing importance of the Apostolic

Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, which proposes an overall vision that can shed

useful light on the pastoral priorities of the Church in Ireland, and on the

special attention that must be given to the younger generation. The forthco-

ming International Eucharistic Congress will surely represent an important

stage in this process, as will the subsequent National Mission, which it is

hoped will provide all the members of the Church community with a fruitful

opportunity for prayer, common reflection and instruction on the content of

the Christian creed, in harmony with the Holy Father's vision for the ap-

proaching Year of Faith. As Pope Benedict said in his Pastoral Letter to the

Catholics of Ireland: "Through intense prayer before the real presence of the

Lord, the Church in Ireland can make reparation for the sins of abuse that

have done so much harm, at the same time imploring the grace of renewed

strength and a deeper sense of mission on the part of all Bishops, priests,

Religious and lay faithful".