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CATHOLIC SCOUTS FROM EUROPE TO MEET POPE ON AUGUST
1
Pope Praises Scouts on
100th Anniversary
Says They Offer Integral Formation to
Youth
The
Pope said this in a letter addressed to Cardinal Jean-Pierre
Ricard, archbishop of Bordeaux and president of the
French bishops' conference.
Aug.
1 marks the centenary of the first Scout camp, held
on the island of Brownsea, in England, and organized
by Sir Baden-Powell (1857-1941), founder of the World
Scout Movement.
"For
one century, through play, action, adventure, contact
with nature, life as a team and in service to others,
you offer an integral formation to anyone who joins
the Scouts," said the Holy Father in his letter
written in French.
He
continued: "Inspired by the Gospels, scouting is
not only a place for authentic human growth, but also
a place of strong Christian values and true moral and
spiritual growth, as with any authentic way of holiness.
"The
sense of responsibility that permeates Scout education
leads to a life of charity and the desire to serve one's
neighbor, in the image of Christ the servant, based
on the grace offered by Christ, in a special way through
the sacraments of the Eucharist and forgiveness."
The
Pontiff encouraged the brotherhood of the Scouts, "which
is a part of its original ideal and makes up, above
all for young generations -- a witness of that which
is the body of Christ, within which, according to the
image of St. Paul, all are called to fulfill a mission
wherever they are, to rejoice in another's progress
and to support their brothers in times of difficulty."
"I
thank the Lord for all the fruits that, throughout these
last 100 years, the Scouts have offered," he said.
He
encouraged Catholic Scouts to go forward on their path,
offering "to boys and girls of today an education
that forms them with a strong personality, based on
Christ and willing to live for the high ideals of faith
and human solidarity."
Benedict
XVI's message ends with advice from Baden-Powell: "Be
faithful to your Scout promise, even when you are no
longer young, and may God help you to do so!
"When
man seeks to be faithful to his promises, the Lord himself
strengthens his steps."
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