Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) – The meeting of Secretaries of Bishops' Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean was held in Bogota (Colombia) and ended today, March 18. The goal of this meeting is to present to the Bishops' Council of Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAM) with the most important issues affecting the individual bishops' conferences, the situation of the Continental Mission in each country, and the initiatives for the celebration of Year for Priests.
The opening act, held March 16, was led by the Papal Nuncio in Colombia, Archbishop Aldo Cavalli, who presided over the Mass, in which he expressed his satisfaction for the celebration of the Year for Priests and recalled the Cure of Ars as a coherent man, aware of his priestly mission. Similarly, the Nuncio said, it is now also urgent to read the signs of the times and contribute to the formation of priests, in a process of discernment that is challenging and fruitful.
Bishop José Leopoldo González González, Secretary General of CELAM, in his greeting to participants, expressed his satisfaction for the presence of Msgr. Mario Paquette, PH, General Secretary of the Panamanian Bishops' Conference, as an expression of communion with the Church in Latin America and solidarity with churches in Haiti and Chile.
The meeting performed an analysis of the most important issues that touch the reality of different countries in the socio-political, economic, and religious aspects. They also took into consideration the initiatives that have taken place or are to be promoted from each Bishops' Conference for the emergencies in Chile and Haiti. There was also a reflection on the services provided by CELAM and the impact of these services on their countries, as well as the relevance of the various programs. Another issue in discussion is the reception of Aparecida and the pastoral conversion. A talk was given on this area by Fr. Agenor Brighenti of Brazil. The meeting of the Secretaries-General is also an opportunity to evaluate the specific proposals for the Comprehensive Plan 2011-2015 of CELAM. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 18/03/2010)
