Underhanded Secularism

Via Zenit, this translation from Pope Benedict XVI's address to the Slovenian eucharistic conference:

The Pope then went on to consider the "main challenge" facing the Church in Slovenia: "Western-style secularism, which is different and perhaps more underhand than Marxist secularism." It results in "the unbridled pursuit of material goods, the drop in birth rate and the reduction in religious practice with a notable diminution in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life."

"Each generation is called to renew the choice between life and goodness and death and evil. We as pastors have the duty to show Christians the path of life, that they in their turn may become the salt and light of society. I encourage the Church in Slovenia, then, to respond to materialist and selfish culture with a coherent evangelizing activity that begins in parishes."

Referring to the National Eucharistic Congress, which will be held in Slovenia in 2009, Benedict XVI stated that the Eucharist and the Word of God "constitute the true treasure of the Church. Faithful to the teaching of Christ, each community must use earthly goods simply, in the service of the Gospel."

He added: "On this subject, the New Testament is rich in teachings and in normative examples so that at all times pastors may correctly approach the delicate problem of worldly goods and their appropriate use. In all periods of the Church, witness to evangelical poverty has been an essential element of evangelization, as it was in the life of Christ."