Message from Pope John Paul II to Austrian Bishops

Saturday, November 5, 2005 the Holy Father spoke to members of the Austrian Bishops' Conference on the occasion of their ad limina visit to Rome:

 "Dear Brothers in the Episcopate, you are well aware that there are topics concerning the truth of faith and especially moral doctrine that are not being adequately presented in catechesis and preaching in your Dioceses and that at times, for example, in youth ministry in the parishes or associations, are not being confronted at all or are not being clearly addressed as the Church wishes.

I give thanks to God it is not like this everywhere. However, perhaps those responsible for preaching fear that here and there people might drift away if they spoke too clearly.

Yet experience generally shows that it is precisely the opposite that happens. Be under no illusion. An incomplete Catholic teaching is a contradiction in itself and cannot be fruitful in the long term.”


L'OSSERVATORE ROMANO

N.46 - NOVEMBER 16, 2005