AMERICA/PERU - Peru prepares to consecrate the nation to the Blessed Virgin Mary: “an act of faith and trust and commitment to live baptismal promises every moment of life” Great Continental Mission begins

Wednesday, 18 July 2007

Chimbote (Agenzia Fides) - At the end of August Peru during a National Eucharistic Congress in Chimbote (see Fides 28/6/2007) Peru will be consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The decision was made by the Peruvian Bishops in January 2006. The Bishops hope the event will stand as a milestone in the history of the Church in Peru. “This will be an act of faith and a prayer and a commitment of individuals and families to live baptismal promises every moment of life" the Bishops write in a letter for the occasion.
In preparation for the event the Bishops issued “Plan for the Consecration of Peru to Our Lady" which has consisted in an awareness building campaign all over the county to consecrate families, movements, schools and other institutions to the Blessed Vurgin Mary. The initiative will also mark the beginning of the Great Continental Mission decided by the 5th General Conference of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean in Aparecida in Brazil in May.
The campaign of preparation lasted from October 2006 to May 2007. The Plan for Consecration and the Campaign were promoted by the media. The months of June, July and August are the period intense immediate preparation. Preparation in June was based on prayers: special masses and hours of adoration for the success of the Consecration and the recitation of the Rosary in parishes. The second stage of preaching and formation started at the end of June and will continue through July and August with catechesis in schools and parishes, district missions, home visiting. The final state will be during the Eucharistic Congress 25 to 30 August. A few days later special Masses will be celebrated in cathedrals and parish churches all over the country. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/7/2007; righe 28, parole 404)


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