With gratitude and with a deep sense of responsibility	AUDIENCE AT CASTEL GANDOLFO 26th August 2005 Benedict XVI with Luigi Alici, H.E. Mgr. Francesco Lambiasi, Paola Bignardi

The Pope has Catholic Action very much at heart and relies on the part it plays in the evangelizing mission of the Church in Italy and in other parts of the world. During our meeting on Friday morning at Castel Gandolfo we became more aware of our responsibility in carrying out our mission.

Benedict XVI gave us a truly fatherly welcome which was far from being formal. He is evidently well informed about CA and was very interested to learn about recent developments in our Association.
He showed particular appreciation of CA’s vital presence in parishes and the importance it gives to formation. He stressed that the commitment and witnessing of mature and responsible lay people is decisive in today’s world.

On this occasion we had the opportunity to present to him our new formative project and the Association’s renewal exercise undertaken during these last years. The Pope commended the ongoing dialogue which Catholic Action is keeping with other movements and encouraged us to continue strengthening this communion. We were surprised to discover how keen Benedict XVI is to see a strong Catholic Action even in other countries. He also showed a great interest in the activities carried out by the International Forum of Catholic Action (IFCA).

At the end of our meeting we expressed our mutual desire to keep up this dialogue which, within two or three years, could culminate in a grand celebration of the one hundred and fortieth anniversary of Catholic Action?.

Luigi Alici