To Ecclesial Organizations, Osnabruck (16 November 1980)

On 16 November 1980, the Holy Father in Osnabrück addressed ecclesial organizations that carry out assistance work in the service of the universal Church.

Dear brothers and sisters!

As I already emphasized yesterday upon my arrival in your country, I would like my pastoral visit to be also an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for what the bishops, priests and laity of your Church do beyond their borders, taking on with great generosity the needs of brothers and sisters in less privileged parts of the world.

My cordial thanks therefore also go to you, who represent the various works and institutions which the German bishops, religious orders and lay people have created and constantly support for the service of the universal Church: "Misereor", "Adveniat", "Missio ”, the Federation of German Caritas and the Opera Bonifatius, just to name the most important. I also thank you for the contribution of German Catholics to the "European Aid Fund" and to the organization "Aid to the Eastern Clergy".

The universal Church is realized in the local churches, which are in communion with each other. The Societies and institutions that you represent have contributed much to deepening the spirit of fraternity among men. Dear brothers and sisters, always preserve and promote among the faithful this openness to help and this universal openness. They come from that fraternal and good heart, which the Lord will make taste the joy of sharing your bread with the poor and your faith in Christ with all the peoples of the earth. May the Lord Jesus confirm you in this commitment with my particular apostolic blessing.

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