Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guatemala City (Fides Service) – The Catholic Bishops of Guatemala, meeting on November 18, issued a statement on the experience of the Year of the Rosary, celebrations for the 25th years of Pontificate of Pope John Paul II and the Central American Missionary Holy Year which were all “graces from God which have produced lasting fruits for the renewal of the faith of our families and communities”.
The Bishops express satisfaction “for widespread participation in recent general elections. Visible significant participation of women, Latin and native, young and old. People responded with enthusiasm and responsibility to the call from the Catholic Church, other Christians, national and international organisations”. The Bishops say the election “revealed prevailing respect and interest for the common good” and they call on all citizens “to vote again with responsibility, participation with the same civil enthusiasm”.
In the statement the Bishops also say that the commitment to prepare and celebrate CAM 2 assumed by the Church in Guatemala in communion with all the Churches of Central America, is “a fine sign of unity among all the Bishops of Central America ”. “Long and fruitful preparation for the Congress with the participation of tens of thousands of faithful as “Mission Animators” and the enormous crowds which gathered around the Holy Images of Santo Cristo d’Esquipulas and Our Lady of Guadeloupe, along their pilgrimage through the whole of Central America in the Missionary Holy Year fills us with hope that its fruit will renewed evangelisation impulse stemming from the life of Jesus Christ, true light of the world, proclaimed to the ends of the earth” the Bishops say. The bishops end their statement entrusting CAM2 to the Lord and to the prayers of all the faithful encouraging all to live the season of Advent as a time of conversion to God, to others and to self”. (RZ) (Fides Service 19/11/2003 – lines 25; words 343).
