(July 02, 2011) “Lights and shadows mark the current historical moment and we witness complex modes of human behaviour, where people fold in on themselves, manifest forms of narcissism, greed for possession and consumerism, feelings and sentiments devoid of responsibility” said Pope Benedict XVI addressing on Saturday, in Vatican’s Paul VI audience hall, pilgrims from the Catholic Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti, in the Southern Italian Region of Puglia. Among the many causes of the present uneasiness is the denial of the transcendental dimension of man, the Pope said. The Catholic community was called upon to a commitment of faith. “The church,” the Pontiff underlined, “ is not a social or philanthropic association like so many others, but rather it is the people of God, a community of believers.” Particular attention had to be paid to Education to live a Christian life, in a journey of faith, fortified by the sacraments, through the various stages of life. In this process the family is in the frontline, and parents had to be witnesses to the faith. They were not alone in the confronting of problems the Pope told the parents. There were about 7000 pilgrims present at the audience. The Pope exhorted the priests to be witnesses to God’s mercy and to engage boldly in dialogue with culture and with those who are in search of God.
