Pope Benedict XVI's "Secret" of the New Evangelization

Brace yourself.

The Pope has a secret he's prepared to reveal. Are you ready?

Here it is: the New Evangelization flourishes best when Episcopals, Presbyter and the Laity cooperate.

Amazing, isn't it?

Zenit News Agency has the story here!

Benedict XVI believes that the secret of the "new evangelization" lies in collaboration among bishops, priests, religious and laity.

The Holy Father expressed this view Saturday when receiving the second group of Polish bishops on their five-yearly visit, who were introduced by Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, the longtime secretary of Pope John Paul II. Benedict XVI dedicated his lengthy address to describe how the new evangelization should take place, which was the most ambitious objective of John Paul II's pontificate.

To illustrate his proposals, Benedict XVI based himself on one of his predecessor's most personal writings, his book "Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way," in which the Polish Pontiff recounted his experience as bishop of Krakow.

Reflecting on the protagonists of this new evangelization, Benedict XVI began by addressing the mission of bishops.

"By his way of living the bishop shows that 'the model of Christ' is not surpassed; also in the present conditions it continues to be very timely," said the Pope. "It can be said that a diocese reflects its bishop's way of being.

"His virtues -- chastity, the practice of poverty, the spirit of prayer, simplicity, the delicacy of conscience -- are engraved in a certain sense on the hearts of priests."

"They, in turn, transmit these values to their faithful and so young men feel attracted to respond generously to Christ's call," he asserted quoting John Paul II.

Formation

Benedict XVI also mentioned the very important role that diocesan priests must have in the new evangelization, the reason why it is important to pay "particular attention to the quality of formation in the seminary."

"It is necessary to keep in mind not only the intellectual preparation of future priests for their future tasks, but also their spiritual and emotional formation," he stressed.

(snip)

Finally, the Holy Father acknowledged that in the midst of the "silent apostasy" that is verified in some societies, the laity has an "irreplaceable" task, "as it takes place in daily life, in ambits which the priests can only reach with difficulty."

"Participation in public and political life is a specific task of the laity," he reminded, assuring that "one and all have the right and duty to participate in politics."

"The Church does not identify with any party, with any political community, or any political system," the Pontiff said. "Rather, she always reminds that lay people involved in political life must give a courageous and visible witness of Christian values, which must be affirmed and defended in case they are threatened."

The laity must carry out this task "publicly either in debates of a political nature or in the media," he explained.

For political action to be effective, it must be based on "the love of truth and the spirit of service and solidarity in the commitment for the common good," explained the Pope.

Each member of Christ's church has a unique role to play in Christ's mission. Laity and clergy exercise authority within their competancies in order to further the Kingdom of God. When Laity believe they can micromanage the Church, or when the Clergy believe they should micromanage societies' political processes, we all short-change Christ's mission. When we collaborate--and participate to the fullest in our areas of expertese--we advance our Lord's mission.

If we don't all work together, then we surrender the world to the Enemy. That's not what Christ redeemed us for. Let's live the mission he's given us, so that all people may live in communion with him.