AMERICA/PARAGUAY - Bishops’ Conference elects its President, Vice-President, and Secretary

Asuncion (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Paraguay recently celebrated their 183rd Plenary Assembly (November 3-7) in Asuncion, during which they elected as President Archbishop Pastor Cuquejo of Asuncion; as Vice-President Bishop Claudio Gimenez of Caacupe, and as Secretary General and Delegate to CELAM, Bishop Adalberto Martinez Flores of San Pedro. The Prelates’ terms last from November 2008 to November 2011. The Bishops also elected the leaders of the various Committees, while the elections of some committees and secretaries on a national level are yet to be determined.
On the first day of their Assembly, the Bishops analyzed their communication with the Holy See and their Ad limina visit. The first session was led by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Orlando Antonini, who offered the Bishops an analysis and reflection on the country's situation and encouraged the Bishops to continue working for the growth of the Church and society in Paraguay, enlightened by the Gospel in renewing society, seeking equality for all Paraguayans. As for their Ad limina visit, the Bishops remarked on the great humility shown by Benedict XVI in his personal dialogue with each Bishop. The Bishops will be drafting a letter addressed to His Holiness, thanking him for all his personal care and attention towards them. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/11/2008)