Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cotonou (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Benin have sounded the alarm for the "continued decay" of political and social life in the country, in a statement issued at the conclusion of the Plenary Assembly, held November 15 to 18, 2009 in Cotonou.
Recalling their message of October 2008, entitled "Restoring confidence and preserving peace," the Bishops note, "with much pain, that since then little has changed...The positions of different actors in the political and social life have gradually hardened and became aggressive, multiply the intrigues and calculations in favor of partisan interests as the elections of 2011 approach."
The Bishops say that "faced with this situation of continuous decay, we turned first to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who has the power to calm the storm and the raging waters (Mc 6, 45-51). We have recalled his words: "Watch and pray" (Mark 14, 38). We have also noted how, on several occasions, the strong mobilization of the sons and daughters of Benin in prayer of supplication has helped our country emerge from extremely serious situations."
The Bishops' Conference of Benin then invites the faithful and men of good will to a "great chain of solidarity in prayer and communion for our beloved country." They have also established that a Mass is to be celebrated every first Thursday of the month, for the good of the country, in every parish of Benin, with the recitation of "Prayer for Benin” at the end of the daily Eucharistic celebrations. “We invite the faithful, the Catholic Action movements, associations and prayer groups, men and women of good will to attend the monthly Masses, and to engage in this chain of spiritual solidarity in prayer for Benin, our common country,” the Bishops say in conclusion, as they also announce an upcoming pastoral letter on the situation in the country. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/11/2009)
