Page 246 - spiritual_accompaniment_montreal_archdiocese

PASTORAL LETTERS

In our dialogue with the world, we often say what we think people are ready to hear.
Yet, human beings keep searching, often in places other than themselves, at the periphery
of their soul. Perhaps, they’re fleeing their innermost selves, sensing that if they stop, their
life will be transformed, perhaps challenging preoccupations to which they are attached.

Even if we have faith, we might have forgotten—if not neglected—our soul, delaying
prayer until the next day oftentimes. May God set us right, may the Holy Spirit lead us to
stand before Jesus Christ and adore Him, may Jesus Christ transform us into children of
light (cf. Saint Paul), and sons and daughters of the Eternal Father.

Only by doing so will we awaken our soul and become “soul awakeners” in the world
today, which has been described in various terms: post-Christian, modern, postmodern
and secular.

Cultures are varied and changing. Times vary. Yet, human beings remain human
beings; something we need to recognize continually in the light of reason and faith. Ample
sources can be found in the Bible, the Magisterium and the Doctors of the Church. There
is no lack of such references in the lives of saints, and Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy
Spirit fill us abundantly with grace.

We are called in these times to a deep awakening of the soul. Young people, couples,
families and the elderly are waiting for the Word of life: souls, wake up, stand up, body and
soul.

† Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal

Collection of texts by the Most Rev. Christian Lépine 246