"The Pruning of the Ranks of the
Holy Roman Catholic Church"
A Letter to the Principals of Episcopal Commissions, 1996
Attachment II
Constructive Action Taken by the Catholic Church in Portugal
A Letter to the Principals of Episcopal Commissions, 1996
Attachment II
Constructive Action Taken by the Catholic Church in Portugal
NOTE: The following are excerpts from a secular Portuguese publication ("Correio da Manhá " - April 27, 1995) highlighting the positive steps taken by the Portuguese Episcopal Conference for the restoration of the Catholic Church in Portugal.
Translation by The M+G+R Foundation
Six recommendations to the parishes
Block A
In a document titled "Episcopal Pastoral Instruction on Sects-A Challenge to the Pastoral
Activities of the Church", the Portuguese Episcopal Conference recommends the strengthening of the
community dimension of the parish, a more careful instruction of the faithful, the renewal of the
expressions of popular devotions, a greater responsible involvement of the faithful, the renewal
of the Priest's image and more joy infused in the prayers and liturgy.
These proposals for pastoral renewal are more directed to the internal life of the Church than to
a direct action toward (against) the Sects, which, in Portugal, are almost 300.
Block B
For the same reason it is necessary to renew the image of the Priest so that he "is always seen in
good spirits, available, totally devoted to his mission by promoting unity, communion, sanctity
and the apostolic dynamism of the parish community".
Block C
The document is not lacking of criticism to the Church itself which, to a certain extent,
considers itself responsible for propelling the Portuguese faithful to embrace these Sects which
are considered a "real danger" to the Christian Faith.
Block D
"...brings to mind certain deficiencies in the pastoral action of the Church."
The Conference stresses that Portugal was born Christian and continues to be so but admits that
two and a half centuries of rationalism and laicism have harmed the Church and the Faith of the
people.
Return to Original Document
We Have Been Amply Warned. Now its time for: The Pruning of the
Catholic Church
© Copyright 2000 - 2022 by The M+G+R
Foundation. All rights reserved. However, you may freely reproduce and distribute this
document as long as: (1) Appropriate credit is given as to its source; (2) No changes are made in
the text without prior written consent; and (3) No charge is made for it.
The M+G+R Foundation