AMERICA/ECUADOR - Declaration of Intent for a Program of Fraternal Assistance signed between Church in Munich-Freising and Ecuador

Quito (Agenzia Fides) – After a brief visit to the churches located in Quito's historic downtown, on September 1, Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich-Freising (Germany), and Archbishop Antonio Arregui of Guayaquil and President of the Ecuadorian Bishops' Conference, signed a Declaration of Intent for the promotion of the Program of Fraternal Assistance between the two communities. This is what Agenzia Fides learned from a statement sent out by the Press Office at the Ecuadorian Bishops' Conference.
The signing took place during a special act celebrated in the Chapter Hall of the National Cathedral, in the presence of all the country's bishops. The welcoming address to Archbishop Marx was given by Archbishop Raul Vela Chiriboga of Quito, Primate of Ecuador, who affirmed that the German Archbishop's visit was “a testimony of fraternal love and affection and strengthens the bond of friendship and charity between Munich and Ecuador.”
During the ceremony, Bishop Julio Teran Dutar of Ibarra, recalled the most important moments of the nearly 50 years of Fraternal Cooperation between the Church of Munich and Ecuador, which began in the II Vatican Council, from which emerged “a Providential environment for establishing fraternity among our particular Churches.” Bishop Dutar then recalled the first two Pastors to establish this friendship: Bishop Bernardino Echevarria Ruiz of Ambato, and Cardinal Julius Doepfner, Archbishop of Munich.
Archbishop Reinhard Marx, in expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, mentioned that “we should give this project a greater momentum through an accord that will remain binding for our successors and will give stability to this collaboration.” In light of the 50th anniversary of the Program, which will be celebrated in 2012, the Archbishop of Monaco said it was fundamental that they “value and look ahead to the future, to consolidate the objectives and correct what is lacking.” In concluding his intervention, Archbishop Marx mentioned the appointments of new representatives of the Church of Munich in Ecuador: Fr. Martin Schalchtbaver and Mr. Alexander Sitter.
The Archbishop of Munich will continue his visit to Ecuador until September 11, visiting the city of Cuenca, Guayaquil, Machala, Portoviejo, Babahoyo, Santo Domingo, Tena, Puyo, Ambato, and Ibarra, to become familiar with several of the social projects being realized through the support of the Program of Fraternal Assistance of Munich and Freising. (GT) (Agenzia Fides 4/9/2009)