Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – Today, November 30, marks the beginning of ceremonies for the 25th anniversary of the Association of Bishops' Conferences of Central Africa, ACEAC (1984-2009), which includes Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and 50 years since the erection of the hierarchy in these countries (1959-2009).
The opening Mass for the celebrations was celebrated this morning in the parish of "Saint Joseph of Kalamu" of the Congolese capital, Kinshasa. In the afternoon, the Catholic University of the Congo will host a lecture on "Autonomy and cooperation of the Churches of the Association of Bishops' Conferences of Central Africa."
December 1 will be dedicated to the memory of Blessed Anuarite and prayer for the victims of wars in the countries of the ACEAC. That same day, there will be a meeting of ACEAC members who participated in the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.
The closing ceremony of the cycle of conferences will be held on December 3, anniversary of the creation of ACEAC, with a show of appreciation to Prof. Jean-Bosco Matanda, Rector of the UCC, and a closing speech from Archbishop Simon Ntamwana of Gitega (Burundi), President of the ACEAC. Also on December 3, the first stone of the Pan-African Institute for Teaching Social Doctrine will be laid, at the headquarters of the Catholic University of Congo in Mont-Ngafula.
On December 4, the General Assembly of the ACEAC will be held, and on Saturday, December 5, the faithful are invited to a procession that will start from the Nunciature, and travel to the Parish of St. Anne. On Sunday, December 7, there will be a Closing Mass at the Stadium of the Martyrs. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 30/11/2009)
