To the Diocese of Salvador da Bahia (6 July 1980)

On July 6 1980, the Holy Father addressed the Diocese of Salvador da Bahia in the cathedral, greeting the prelates, clergy and religious, and bestowing his Apostolic Blessing.

Your Eminence Cardinal Archbishop,
Coadjutor Archbishop Msgr. Joao de Souza Lima,
Auxiliary Bishop Mons. Thomas Murphy,
My Brothers in the Episcopate and Ministerial Priesthood, Men
and Women Religious,
Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. The traditional Bahian hospitality which I am receiving at this moment, to my joy and happiness, could not find a better expression than the eloquent and sincere words of your Archbishop, dearest Cardinal Avelar Brandao Vilela. Grateful to him and to all of Bahia, I would like to thank you very much for the welcome you have given me.

Trampling this soil, I am aware of living an appointment with the purest sources of Brazil. The discoverers landed on the Baiano coast. Not far from here, the excited voice of Frei Henrique de Coimbra pronounced, for the first time in the newly discovered land, the words of consecration. Here the first Brazilian diocese was created. This city was the first capital of the country, when it was born in independence. I think I can say, without taking anything away from the other regions of the country, that here we touch the Brazilian spirit in its essence.

For all these reasons, I want, on this occasion, to cordially greet the people of this city and of the entire state.

2. "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior" (2Pt 3:18), exhorted the first Pope, giving Jesus - as he often does - this name of Saviour, which was given to your city.

With these same words I address my greetings to you. And in the words of Saint Paul I wish and pray that "the goodness of God, our Savior, and his love for men may be manifested" (cf. Tt 3:4). The goodness of the Savior to the pastors of this archdiocese and all the suffragan dioceses. For the faithful of these various local churches. For rulers and those responsible for the common good of the state, in this capital and in all cities. For those who exercise responsibilities, for families, and especially for those who suffer tribulations or mourn. For young people and children, as well as for the elderly.

For the sick and for those who are alone. Kindness is the "charity of the Savior" be with all of you and with all your loved ones.

3. Allow me a special greeting to the presbyterate of each of the local dioceses, whose image I see in the priests present here. Ministers of Christ the priest, called to act "in persona Christi", try also to live as if Christ himself lived in you. It is the only way to be authentic educators in the faith, pastors and guides of the faithful who, sometimes in a loud voice, but almost always with a wordless plea, ask you for guidance for their lives, a light for their journey.

Greetings also to the seminarians. Love your vocation as the most precious gift that has been granted to you. Cultivate it with prayer and the fervor of the Spirit, zealously preparing yourselves for the day when Christ will put the seal of priestly consecration on you.

4. Dear children, all of you accept the Pope's greetings and best wishes, with the affection he gives you. May the Apostolic Blessing, which I cordially grant you, be the pledge of divine grace which enables you "to live with sobriety, justice and piety in this world, awaiting the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Saviour". (Tit 2,12-13).
 

Copyright © Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Publishing House