AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - June 13 declared “World Cup Sunday” by South African Bishops

Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of South Africa have declared Sunday, June 13, “World Cup Sunday.”
This date has been chosen, as it coincides with the beginning of the World Cup and the conclusion of the Year for Priests. “The World Cup is about South Africa welcoming the world to our home,” affirms the website “Church on the Ball,” promoted by the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference (SACBC).
“We are also welcoming the world to our church communities. This welcome helps us realise that despite our nationalities and our teams, we’re all one people of God.”
The bishops suggest that priests, in the homily of the Mass of June 13, stress the need to cure the ills of South Africa and throughout Africa, especially in light of indications of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops. The bishops also asked for prayers that the spirit of sportsmanship prevails and that all believers give their contribution to prevent and combat crime, vandalism, hooliganism, and the exploitation of persons. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 04/23/2010)