Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Brasilia (Agenzia Fides) – "Disciples and servants of the Word of God and the Church's mission in the world" is the central theme of the 48th Assembly General Assembly of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Brazil starting today 5 May. Some 300 Bishops are gathered for the Assembly in Brasilia. “The most important theme is the Word of God” said Bishop Demetrio Valentini, of Jales (São Paulo) President of Caritas Brazil, in a statement to Fides Agency. The Bishops also said that other priority questions such as Basic Ecclesial Communities, valuation of the general guidelines issued by the Church in Brazil (DGAE) and the Continental Mission, the question of land in the country and the centenary of the Ecumenical Movement, would also be on the agenda of this 48th Assembly. With regard to the question of land, Bishop Valentini said “we will tackle the problem in such a way as to broaden the discussion to include another important matter, environment protection”.
At the beginning of the Assembly the Bishops listened to the reading of a letter from Brazil's President Lula. The President stressed the importance of the government/Church relationship and underlined the importance of social policies and the question of Human Rights, because the development of the 3rd National Plan for Human Rights is being discussed.
In the session today, 5 May, the Bishops will listen to reports on the activity of various CNBB Commissions and on guidelines with regard to norms for dispensation from the priestly ministry. In today's session the Bishops will also discuss celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, which closed in 1965. The Assembly will include plenary discussions and debates. Every day at 7am the Bishops will concelebrate Mass at the Don Bosco Shrine. The Mass will be broadcast live by Catholic television companies all over the country. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 05/05/2010)
