Challenges present possibilities to proclaim Gospel, Pope tells Syro Malabar bishops

The challenges of the modern society brought with them new possibilities to proclaim the Gospel, observed Pope Benedict XVI.

Addressing a group of Bishops from the Syro-Malabar Church, the head of the Roman Catholic Church said the rapid and dramatic changes which are a part of contemporary society brought "new possibilities to proclaim the liberating truth of the Gospel message to transform and elevate human relationships".

Benedict XVI further urged the Indian Bishops for the "sound and integral education of young people in the ways of chastity and responsibility".

Such an education, he said will enable the young people to embrace the true nature of marriage and will benefit Indian culture as a whole.

"Unfortunately, the Church can no longer count on the support of society at large to promote the Christian understanding of marriage as a permanent and indissoluble union ordered to procreation and the sanctification of the spouses," he added.

The Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church began their official visit to Rome on April 4. All heads of dioceses are required to make what is called an 'ad limina' visit to Rome every 5 years or so to report on the state of their jurisdictions.

The Syro-Malabar Church traces its origin to the Apostolate of St Thomas who landed on the Malabar Coast in AD 52. The Church is the second largest among the Eastern Catholic Churches.

At the beginning of their meeting with Benedict XVI, the Bishops were urged be a "minister of unity".

"This responsibility is of special importance in a country like India where the unity of the Church is reflected in the rich diversity of her rites and traditions," Benedict XVI said.