MESSAGE AND BLESSING OF THE HOLY FATHER

to H.E. Most Rev. Cesare Bonivento, PIME, Bishop of Vanimo
on the occasion of the biennial national symposium
on Life and Family: Blessing of the Lord

The Most Rev. Cesare Bonivento, PIME
Bishop of Vanimo

 The Holy Father was pleased to learn of the biennial national symposium taking place in the diocese of Vanimo from 29-30 January 2005, under the auspices of Papua New Guinea Family Life International, with the theme Life and Family: Blessing of the Lord. He commends this initiative to promote the Gospel of Life and sends warm greetings to all those taking part.

 In the face of trends which seek to undermine the integrity and sacredness of marriage and family life, His Holiness has repeatedly called upon men and women to uphold the civilization of love through religious and social structures. With great confidence, he now turns to the priests, religious and faithful of Papua New Guinea to respond to this challenge: to present Christian marriage anew as a life-long covenant in Christ, based on generous self-giving and unconditional love (Ecclesia in Oceania, 45). This inspiring vision of matrimony and stable family life will strengthen Papuan society through an uplifting of the human, moral and spiritual dimensions of home life.

 With these sentiments, the Holy Father entrusts the gathering to the protection of the Holy Family, icon and model of every human family. He cordially imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all present and to their loved ones at home.

Cardinal Angelo Sodano
Secretary of State
Vatican City, 27 January 2005

PRI Review January/February 2005