Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - A statement from the Holy See Press Office says that upon an invitation made by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), Cardinal Paul Josef Cordes, President of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Dicastery that promotes Charity initiatives of the Holy See, will visit India February 15-19, for the Plenary Assembly of Bishops in Jamshedpur. The meeting is being held as a reflection on the Church’s commitment to charity, in light of the Encyclical “Deus caritas est,” with particular emphasis on its explanation of the Christian roots of charity.
With this visit, there is hope that there will be a strengthening of the testimony of the Catholic Church in the field of charity, where she continues to show her presence through many different works of charity. Christians in India already provide services in 20% of elementary schools, 25% of aid for widows and orphans, and 30% of aid for the disabled, lepers, and AIDS victims. Today there are new challenges and opportunities emerging. India, with its 1.2 million inhabitants, is a nation in full development, from an economic and social perspective, with important consequences for charitable organisations. The missions of the diakonia is indispensable for the poor, as well as for the Church herself. As the work of the diakonia is an ecclesial activity, the roles of the Bishops and Ordinaries of the places in question are fundamental: they have, in fact, the ultimate responsibility for the charitable works. In this effort, in particular, Cardinal Cordes will encourage the Indian Bishops. The first part of his trip will be dedicated to a visit to the tomb of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, as well as, to the houses for the poor and suffering that she founded. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 18/2/2008; righe 22, parole 289)
