Pope Points to Church's Role in "Torn" Society

GENOA, Italy, MAY 19, 2008 (Zenit.org).- In a society torn between globalization and individualism, Benedict XVI says the Church is called to offer a witness of communion.The Pope affirmed this on Sunday near the end of his two-day apostolic trip to Genoa and Savona. In his homily at the closing Mass on the solemnity of the Blessed Trinity, the Holy Father said the feast "invites us to contemplate him, the Lord; it invites us, in a certain sense, to climb up 'the mountain' as Moses did. Although at first sight this may seem to take us away from the world and its problems, in reality we discover that it is precisely by knowing God more closely that we also receive precious practical guidelines for life.""Human beings do not achieve fulfillment in absolute autonomy, by fooling themselves that they are God but, on the contrary, by recognizing themselves as children, creatures open to and reaching out toward God and toward their fellow men, in whose faces they see the image of the common Father," he said.The Pontiff continued: "It is clear that this concept of God and man lies at the foundations of a corresponding model of human community, and hence of society.

As a model it predates any form of normative, juridical or institutional regulation and, I would say, any kind of cultural specification. "It is a transversal model of the human family common to all civilizations; something which, from childhood, we Christians are wont to express by affirming that men are all children of God and, hence, brothers."In a society torn between globalization and individualism, the Church is called to offer her witness of 'koinonia,' of communion. This reality does not come 'from the roots' but is a mystery that, so to say, has its 'roots in heaven,' in the one and triune God."Attractive commitmentsBenedict XVI encouraged the faithful to take an interest in "spiritual and catechetical formation," which he described as "a 'substantial' formation, more necessary than ever in order to live a Christian vocation well in today's world."Addressing adults and young people, he said, "Cultivate a well-thought-out faith, one capable of engaging in profound dialogue with everyone, with our non-Catholic brethren, with non-Christians, with non-believers.

"He had a special word for youth discerning their vocations."With particular affection, I encourage seminarians and young people following vocational journeys: Do not be afraid; rather, feel the attraction of definitive choices, of a serious and demanding formative journey," he said.The Pope concluded his homily by calling on the Church in Genoa to remain "united and missionary, so as to announce to everyone the joy of the faith and the beauty of being God's family. [...] Look to the future with trust and seek to build it together, avoiding factional disputes."Following Mass, the Holy Father traveled to Genoa's Christopher Columbus airport where he boarded his flight for Rome.