Benedict & evangelization with a renewed enthusiasm.

[Absolute truth]

:salam2:
Pope Benedict XVI, the spiritual leader of the world’s 1.1 billion Roman Catholics, celebrated the 7th Christmas and New Year of his Pontificate on January 1, 2012, the day the Catholic Church marked its Annual World Day of Peace. In his homily delivered before thousands of tourists and pilgrims at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope, expressing hope and optimism for 2012, said, “With the spirit filled with gratitude, we prepare to cross the threshold of 2012, remembering that the Lord watches over us and takes care of us. In Him we want to entrust the entire world. We put into His hands the tragedies of this world of ours and we also offer Him the hopes for a better future.”

Pope Benedict XVI emphasized that his yearly message for 2012 is based on educating the youth with values, encouraging them to work hard and pursue a life of “humility and dedication.” He praised young people, saying they are key to securing a future of hope. He said they are “people of peace” and “builders of peace” if properly educated in knowledge of the truth, in fundamental values and virtues, with a profound sense of justice and respect for their neighbors.

In an age marked by technological innovations, the Pontiff called on the world’s religious and educational leaders to counter the “culture of relativism” by educating the younger generations in peace and justice. He invited all to pray for peace throughout the world, for reconciliation and forgiveness in areas of conflict, and for a more just and equitable distribution of the world’s resources. He reminded all societies that justice and peace will remain “words without content” if the objective norms of morality expressed in the Ten Commandments continue to be disregarded.

Church events this 2012 that “promises divine grace” include the 13th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome to discuss The New Evangelization for the Transmission of Christian Faith on October 7-28. It hopes to direct evangelization with a renewed enthusiasm.

As the New Year dawns upon us, we must heed the call of Pope Benedict XVI to contribute our share in the attainment of peace and justice. We must coexist peacefully with our neighbors, not only with our fellow Filipinos, but with citizens of the world, regardless of race, religion, and color. Let us continue praying and hoping for a better 2012. MABUHAY!