Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - “Youth and immigration are the main challenges in my diocese where the people are young: under 25 year olds represent 75% of the population. The diocese is also young, it was created 46 years ago and the first baptisms were performed only a hundred years ago. Moreover it is an area of immigration because there are large depopulated zones,” Spanish born Bishop Gustavo Bombin Espino, O.S.S.T of Tsiroanomandidy in Madagascar told Fides. He has been on mission in Madagascar for 17 years and was appointed Bishop 7 months ago. With regard to the situation he said “We must give special care to immigrants and young people giving them spiritual and human assistance to face many difficulties and to ensure they do not lose the faith".
"Education is a priority, we need more Catholics schools. Our goal is for every parish to have its own school and a library. At the moment we have 340 churches but only 170 schools and 40 libraries so there is work to do. Besides new schools we also hope to improve those we have and we are looking for the necessary funds" the Bishop told Fides.
Formation at all levels, for seminarians, catechists and pastoral workers is another area, which needs special commitment and attention. We have just formed our diocesan Pastoral Council composed mainly of lay people who have an important role to play in every local Church. At the end of September the Council will hold its first general assembly.
The Church in Madagascar is rich in vocations, the Bishop told Fides. " Although my diocese is young and many people are newcomers, we have vocations especially among women. In recent years there has also been a flourish of vocations among young men to the priesthood and the religious life. At present we have 9 major seminarians and 15 boys at the minor seminary. Recently I appealed to religious communities to send men and women religious because from my experience as a missionary I know that for evangelisation a stable presence is important”.
“However I look to the future with hope - Bishop Gustavo Bombin Espino concludes -. I chose as my Bishop’s motto ‘Life and Hope’ because I am convinced that despite the difficulties and challenges the Church bears a message of life, encouragement and hope”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 23/9/2004 - Righe 30; Parole 419)
