Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yaounde (Agenzia Fides) - “We give thanks to the Lord for allowing the Pontiff, the Universal Pastor, to chose to visit Cameroon, a missionary land consecrated for over a century to Mary, Queen of Apostles, by the Pallotine Missionaries. The people of God rejoice at the fact that Cameroon will be the first African nation to be visited by Pope Benedict XVI,” the Bishops of Cameroon said in their Pastoral Letter in preparation for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, which will take place March 17-20. The Holy Father will also visit Angola while he is in Africa.
The Pastoral Letter, a copy of which was sent to Agenzia Fides, was published at the end of the 33rd Annual Seminar of Cameroon Bishops which took place January 4-10 in Maroua, on the theme: “The Church in Africa's commitment to reconciliation, peace, and justice.”
The document highlights the importance of prayer and works of charity in preparation for the Pope's arrival. “The apostolic visit of the Pope has a great spiritual importance. With this in mind, the Bishops of Cameroon ask all Catholics and men of good will to prepare for this great event with prayer. Sustained by the intercession of Mary and Joseph, we ardently pray for lasting peace in our nation, for a peace that springs forth from justice that makes us all live as brothers.”
The Bishops continue: “We encourage the parishes, especially the groups of prayer and Catholic movements to organize novenas, prayer vigils, and/or pilgrimages. There will also be Masses celebrated with the intention of the successful outcome of the Pope's visit.”
In the message, they also mention that “in this Year of St. Paul, the Catholics who are properly prepared will be able to receive an indulgence,” recalling the requirements contained in the decree issued by the Apostolic Penitentiary.
The prayer should be accompanied by works: “Concrete works should be carried out towards the most vulnerable, so that every man may be honored in his dignity. Thus, in accord with the recommendations made by Pope Benedict XVI in the Encyclical “Deus Caritas est,” the parish and diocesan groups of Caritas will make visits to the orphanages, prisons, and hospitals. The “Justice and Peace” Commission will work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflicts.”
Addressing every single member of the faithful, the Pastoral Letter concludes: “Faithful of Christ in this land of Cameroon, the apostolic visit of the Universal Pastor should be for you an occasion to renew your baptismal promises, especially in terms of a pluralist society with a tendency to relativize everything. God should once again be the top priority of your daily life. You should not be ashamed to acknowledge your Christian identity. Learn to evangelize in your environments, with your words and actions, avoiding sin and living reconciliation, justice, and peace in a concrete manner. Let us pray and work for peace in our families, our parishes, our cities, and our country. May the God of Peace, through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace, grant lasting peace to our continent.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 16/1/2009)
