Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Florida (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Uruguay have ended their Plenary Assembly (November 5-11) in Florida, with a statement on the main themes addressed and with an Advent Message from all the Bishops, at the start of the Continental Mission.
Among the themes discussed by the Bishops was the celebration of the feast of “La Virgen de los Treinta y Tres” with the launching of the Continental Mission on Sunday, November 9 (see Fides 10/11/2008). In addition, they performed an evaluation of the results of their ad Limina visit to Tome on September 22-27. The Bishops also evaluated the 30th National Youth Day held in Tacuarembo, September 5-6, which was attended by nearly 4,000 youth from around the country, in a spirit of joy and participation. They said that “the Day was a sign of the integration of the various parish youth groups and movements in participating in the Church's life.”
Various proposals were made for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights, keeping in ming the documents of the CEU, “Pastoral Letter on the Dignity of the Human Person and His Rights,” of November 11, 1998. They also assigned the Uruguayan delegation that will attend the World Meeting of Families in Mexico City, January 2009.
Lastly, the Bishops issued a statement on the “Reproductive Health” draft bill (see Fides 10/11/2008) and a message, as the time of Advent nears, as well as the start of the Continental Mission, in which they suggest that as a missionary sign, each home “places the Holy Bible in a prominent place, near the nativity scene, and that it may be frequently read, as a family, especially on the feast of Christmas, when we celebrate 'the Word made Flesh.'” They also recall that “the Lord who comes to our encounter moves us to go out and bring His Mercy to our brothers who are distanced from us, marginalized, sick, and in prison, in need of faith, affection, and the community.” They conclude by asking Mary, the disciple and missionary, to “accompany us on our path, as we bring Christ to our people, offering them fullness of life.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2008)
