October 7, 2012
(Romereports.com) With this Mass, the Pope officially named two new Doctors of the
Catholic Church. The title is given to those whose theological teachings
remain relevant regardless of time. Thousands of people gathered in St.
Peter's Square, as St. Hildegard of Bingen, was officially given this
title. Through her teachings, the German nun reflects human's natural
desire to connect with God.
BENEDICT XVI
“Saint Hildegard of Bingen, an important female figure of the twelfth century, offered her
precious
contribution to the growth of the Church of her time, employing the
gifts received from God and showing herself to be a woman of brilliant
intelligence, deep sensitivity and recognized spiritual authority.”
Also
added to the list is St. John of Avila. He felt very strongly about
formal education and formation. Among other things, the Spanish priest
is remembered for his unique preaching style, which made people feel
closer to God.
BENEDICT XVI
“A profound expert on the sacred Scriptures, he was gifted with an ardent missionary
spirit. He knew how to penetrate in a uniquely profound way the mysteries of the redemption
worked by Christ for humanity. A man of God, he united constant prayer to apostolic action.”
With these two new appointments, the Church now has a total of 35 doctors.
During
this Mass, the Pope also officially opened the Synod on the New
Evangelization. This three week meeting brings bishops, archbishops and
cardinals from all over the world. Their mission is to analyze how to
effectively transmit the message of the Gospel, especially in Western
countries where the faith is losing strength.
BENEDICT XVI
“With this solemn concelebration we open the thirteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the
Synod
of Bishops on the theme The New Evangelization for the Transmission of
the Christian Faith. This theme reflects a programmatic direction for
the life of the Church, its members,families, its communities and
institutions.”
The Synod on the New Evangelization will take
place in Rome and run until October 28th. It takes place just days
before the Church celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican
Council on October 11th, which is also the day when the Pope will open
the “Year of Faith.”
KLH
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