Pope tells Eastern Europe not to forget roots in search for identity

Published: 2003-10-13

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As East European nations establish new identities, Christian lay people "have an irreplaceable role of fundamental importance," Pope John Paul II told participants in the first Congress of Catholic Laity of Eastern Europe. In a message to the Oct. 8-12 congress in Kiev, Ukraine, the pope said the harsh legacy of totalitarian regimes has "left emptiness and deep scars on consciences." This requires lay people to rediscover their baptismal dignity as laid out in the Second Vatican Council, he said in the message released Oct. 12. "In particular, you lay people must again take those documents in hand," he said, quoting from his homily at the Mass celebrating the Jubilee of the Apostolate of the Laity in 2000. "To you, gathered in this marvelous city of Kiev that witnessed the baptism of the ancient Rus, is entrusted the responsibility of passing on to future generations the heritage of Christian faith," Pope John Paul said. "The council has made this the hour of the laity in the church," he said.

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