Acta Benedicti Pp. XVI 537

they need to become ever more conscious of the grace of their Baptism and

the dignity which is theirs as sons and daughters of God the Father, sharers

in the death and resurrection of Jesus his Son, and anointed by the Holy

Spirit as members of Christ's mystical Body which is the Church. In union of

mind and heart with their Pastors, and accompanied at every step of their

journey of faith by a sound spiritual and catechetical formation, they need

to be encouraged to cooperate actively not only in building up their local

Christian communities but also in making new pathways for the Gospel in

every sector of society. Vast horizons of mission are now opening up before

the lay men and women of Asia in their efforts to bear witness to the truth of

the Gospel; I think especially of the opportunities offered by their example

of Christian married love and family life, their defense of God's gift of life

from conception to natural death, their loving concern for the poor and the

oppressed, their willingness to forgive their enemies and persecutors, their

example of justice, truthfulness and solidarity in the workplace, and their

presence in public life.

The increasing numbers of committed, trained and enthusiastic lay per-

sons is thus a sign of immense hope for the future of the Church in Asia. Here

I wish to single out with gratitude the outstanding work of the many cate-

chists who bring the riches of the Catholic faith to young and old alike,

drawing individuals, families and parish communities to an ever deeper en-

counter with the Risen Lord. The apostolic and charismatic movements are

also a special gift of the Spirit, since they bring new life and vigor to the

formation of the laity, particularly families and young people. The associa-

tions and ecclesial movements devoted to the promotion of human dignity

and justice concretely demonstrate the universality of the Gospel message of

our adoption as children of God. Along with the many individuals and groups

committed to prayer and works of charity, as well as the contribution made

by pastoral and parish councils, these groups play an important role in

helping the particular Churches of Asia to be built up in faith and love,

strengthened in communion with the universal Church and renewed in zeal

for the spread of the Gospel.

For this reason, I pray that the present Congress will highlight the indis-

pensable role of the lay faithful in the Church's mission and develop specific

programs and initiatives to assist them in their task of proclaiming Jesus

Christ in Asia today. I am confident that the deliberations of the Congress

will stress that the Christian life and calling must be seen first and foremost