Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “Caritas-Développement Congo and Partners - 50 years serving the Congolese people: assessment and prospects.” This is the theme of the 3rd Forum of Caritas-Développement Congo under way in Kinshasa, the capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, from May 30 to June 2. The Forum involves 150 people, including hundreds of delegates representing 47 dioceses in the country.
At the opening Mass, Bishop Louis Nzala, Bishop of Popokabaka and former President of Caritas-Développement Congo, said the Congolese bishops created the organization in 1960, the year of the country's independence, to reflect the love of the Trinity. Following the liturgical calendar, in fact, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity that day.
The Secretary of the Congolese Bishops' Conference, Fr. Leonard Santedi, in his introductory report pointed out that local bishops have created the Bishops' Commission for Caritas as an instrument of pastoral and social network and that the diocesan Caritas offices serve as the "heart and hand of God" for the people, especially the poorest and most disadvantaged.
Caritas-Développement Congo works with Caritas in other countries, with different state structures (such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Health) and with many international organizations such as UNICEF and the WFP. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 06/01/2010)
