Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Cristobal (Agenzia Fides) - “We, the Bishops of Ecuador, wish to continue encouraging the evangelization of our people, just as the Conference of Aparecida and the recent Third American Missionary Congress have asked,” says the final statement from the Bishops' Conference of Ecuador, issued at the end of the Plenary Assembly held November 24-28 on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos (see Fides 24/11/2008).
In the statement, the Bishops mention the National Mission, to which all the faithful are called and that should lead all priests, religious, and laity to open their hearts, “in a humble and decisive manner, to the action of the Holy Spirit, so as to undergo a personal and pastoral conversion and become disciples and and missionaries, witnesses to the ever-living presence of the Risen Lord.”
The Bishops consider that the people and communities of the country are now observing many changes and transformations on all levels, and thus feel the “need for a new hope that fills their life with meaning and gives renewed strength to the family, the privileged area for living the faith and commitment with society.” Thus, the Bishops are aware of their responsibility as citizens and Christians and “do not want to avoid the reflection and commitment that the situation and the Spirit are leading us to.” And they ask all the faithful to participate in the National Mission, based on the theme of evangelization and the family, with the hope that “it may be an opportunity for inner growth for all, for personal and community renewal, for strengthening our families, and for going out of our way to meet the needs of those who suffer poverty and exclusion, and are in need of salvation.” “In a communion of faith and mission, united to the Pastors, we should all reflect on our stituation, our strengths and weaknesses, challenges and possibilities to be developed,” the Bishops said.
The Bishops concluded their statement, echoing the words of the Holy Father Benedict XVI pronounced on the canonization of Saint Narcisa in Rome, this past month of October, in which he prayed that the example and intercession of the young Ecuadorian saint would give “renewed vitality and greater apostolic zeal to our dioceses, so that filled with joy and hope, they may go out with enthusiasm to sow the Gospel in the heart of all men and women in this blessed land.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 1/12/2008)
