Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kigali (Fides Service) – Continuing his pastoral visit in Rwanda, on 29 May Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, had a meeting with pastoral workers whom he encouraged to always have a deep devotion to the Eucharist as the source of mission. “To become authentic missionaries we must stay often in front of the Eucharist, because the Eucharistic sacrifice makes felt the Church’s concern for all humanity…a Christian must spend long moments in adoration…time given to silent eucharistic adoration is time given to God, and it is also time during which the whole of humanity is sanctified and pacified. The Eucharist is then the true source of mission”. Cardinal Sepe then called on the Church in Rwanda to “set out again on mission, to undertake this fascinating joinery which is not without difficulties…We are called to sow the Gospel of love in fertile soil and arid soil, but the Lord is with us. We are called to educate the little ones, the married couples, young people and the family, politics and school, freedom and justice, women and old people. Great themes but the future is full of hope because it belongs to God”.
In a brief message to prisoners at the central prison, which he visited on 29 May, Cardinal Sepe said: "genocide, besides destroying so many human lives, divided this people, it generated hatred, suffocating the love and brotherhood in your society”. He made a strong appeal for everyone “to work with sincerity and fraternal love, to help rebuild Rwandan society, on the basis of the spiritual and moral values than only faith in Christ can give. May assiduous search for the common good, for peace and unity of the people of Rwanda, guide the work of each of you…My wish is that this prison may become for everyone a sign of new life and new hope”.
On the occasion of a visit to Kabgayi major seminary on May 30 Cardinal Sepe celebrated Mass for the seminarians, professors and other staff. “The herald of the Gospel is a person who is always united with Christ. This means he cannot be intimidated by those unable to appreciate his condition of celibacy, because he has placed his trust in God – the Cardinal said -. Dear young men if you sincerely wish to follow Christ, there will be no fear in your future life as priests. But with God we cannot pretend, we must make promises we do not intend to keep. I call you therefore to consider celibacy an integral part of your vocation”. Cardinal Sepe then underlined the need for “humble and confident” prayer and he encouraged the seminarians with these words: “Feel today and always that you are witnesses of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, be missionaries and heralds to all your Rwandan brothers and sisters of the salvific presence of Christ”. SL (Fides Service 30/5/2003 EM lines 32 Words: 480)
