AAS 80 - La Santa Sede

Acta Ioannis Pauli Pp. II 727
6. I wish to express my affection for ali the priests, both diocesan
and religious, who labour with you in shepherding the flock. Each
brother priest is meant to be with us "a servant of Jesus Christ, called
to be an Apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God". 13 The Second
Vatican Council reminds us that "the ministry of priests takes its start
from the Gospel message". 14 It goes on to emphasize that the'ministry
of the word fìnds its completion in the Eucharist, which is "the source
and summit of the whole work of evangelization" 15
I would like to say this to you : always remember the importance of
having a fraternal love for your priests. "Before being the superiors
and judges of your priests, be ... always ready to understand, to
sympathize and to help. In every possible way encourage your priests
to be very open with you". 16 As brothers to your priests, you will share
their burdens and help them grow spiritually through retreats and
days of recollection. It is also of great benefit to their continuing
formation to provide opportunities for theological renewal and study,
so that they can deepen their understanding of the documents of the
Second Vatican Council and of the Magisterium. In addition, thèse
gatherings are an occasion for discussing together your pastoral
concerns.
7. With gratitude to Almighty God I note the increase in diocesan
priests in Tanzania. With the missionaries decreasing in number and
not being replaced, it is ever more necessary for their work to be taken
up by priests from among your own people.
I am pleased to learn that your minor seminaries have many
students. This of course demands a careful sélection of suitable can­
didates. Similarly, the attention and support which you give to your
seminarians and to their training in the five major seminaries will
ensure the quality of those whom you will ordain to the priesthood for
service in your local Churches. I assure you of my solicitude in this
endeavour, so essential to the Church's mission. I would also stress
the importance of providing well-qualified priests for the spiritual,
académie and pastoral formation of your seminarians.
I note that there has been a steady growth in the number of
13 Rom 1:1.
14 Presbyterorum Ordinis, 2.
15 Ibid., 5.
16 Paul VI, Sacerdotalis Caelibatus, 92.