Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yaounde (Agenzia Fides)- "In communion with the universal Church, the Christians of Cameroon welcome the initiative of His Holiness Benedict XVI to indict a Year of St Paul and we render thanks to God" the Bishops of Cameroon say in a Pastoral Letter for the occasion of the Year of St Paul. A copy of the letter was sent to Fides.
The Bishops write "The Holy Father wishes this year to be a time to rediscover the figure of the Apostle, his life, activity, journeys; to re-read his Letters addressed to the early Christian communities; relive the early times of our Church; learn more about his rich teaching to the Gentiles and meditate on his vigorous spirituality of faith, hope and love; vivify our own faith and our place in the Church, in the light of his teaching; pray and act for the unity of the Church the Mystical Body of Christ.”
The Bishops hope celebrations this Year will give new impulse "to Christian life and missionary activity. We call our people and all men and women of good will to learn more about his guidance reflecting on the theme "Called to be apostles of Jesus Christ " (1 Co 1, 1)".
The life of St Paul is a source of reflection and inspiration for Christians today often in difficult situations, the Bishops write. ("If we have religious freedom in Cameroon it is still hard to accept the faith in all serenity "); encounter with Christ which changes the person (conversion of St Paul from persecutor to witness of the Gospel); the meeting with Ananias and the importance of other people ("We all need a spiritual guide for our journey"); Paul, and missionary work today ("our energies must be mobilised for evangelisation, following the example of SDt Paul who established Christian communities in many different nations "). The Bishops recall the many missionaries who came to Cameroon following the example of St Paul: "Pallottine fathers, Sacred heart Fathers, Spiritans, Mill Hill Missionaries, Oblate Missionaries of Mary Immaculate, numerous consecrated persons, local clergy and a host of catechists".
In the Letter the Bishops give the main dates of the Year of St Paul in Cameroon: opening 29 June, feast of Peter and Paul; ecumenical celebration in January 2009, during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity; closing of the Year during the Bishops' Conference plenary 22 - 28 June 2009. The Bishops' Conference encourages parish and diocesan processions on St Paul; preparation of a booklet on St Paul; in depth study of St Paul's Letters; social work inspired by St Paul's spirituality.
To co-ordinate Year of St Paul celebrations the Bishops have set up an ad hoc Committee andcomposed a special prayer. Other material prepared includes a hymn and a play on the Life of St Paul. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 27/6/2008 righe 38 parole 534)
