Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Papeete (Agenzia Fides) – “What could be the goal for this jubilee year, if it is not that of becoming more familiar with the teachings of Paul of Tarsus? Unfortunately, there are many Catholics who know nothing more of Saint Paul except for the passages of his Letters that are read in Mass as the Second Reading. These texts, taken out of context, do not remain imprinted in the memory of those that here them, much less on their lifestyles. This jubilee year, therefore, should be, above all, an occasion for us all to read or re-read the Acts of the Apostles and the Letters of Saint Paul.” These were the recommendations on how to live the Year of Saint Paul, given by Archbishop Hubert Coppenrath of Papeete (Tahiti), in the Polynesian Catholic newspaper, “Le Semeur Tahitien.”
The diocesan inauguration of the Year tool place on June 29, in the parish dedicated to the Apostle, in Mahina. It was attended by over 1,000 faithful from various parishes that also stayed for the procession held after the Mass. The Archdiocese of Papeete has two parishes dedicated to the Apostle, Saint Paul: an older one, located in Mahina, that dates back to 1849 and that of Amanu, founded in 1867. The opening Mass for the Year of Saint Paul was accompanied by a weekend retreat on the theme: “The mission of the family in the spirit of Saint Paul,” which was attended by 400 faithful from parishes in this local part of the Archdiocese.
In the homily, Archbishop Coppenrath focused on the importance of reading the Word of God, highlighting that this year is a perfect occasion to read the Acts of the Apostles and the Letters of Saint Paul, in order to better understand the teachings of Christ and better conform our lives. After the Mass, the Archbishop presented a Bible to each of the “Bearers of the Word of God,” who are the heads of various pastoral areas in the eastern part of the Archdiocese. He reminded them that it is not enough merely to “bear” the Word of God, but we must read it and live it, in other words: “be living witnesses of this Word.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 30/7/2008)
