Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kisantu (Agenzia Fides) – This morning, July 5, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples who is in the Republic of Congo (see Fides 30/06/2012), dedicated his visit to the diocese of Kisantu.
After visiting the parish of Santa Rita, the church, the literacy, sewing and carpentry centers, the Cardinal went to the Pediatric Center of Kimbondo and finally to the parish and Mater Dei College. At the end of the morning, he met with representatives of the men and women religious, catechists and Catholic movements of the deanery.
"I noted with satisfaction that the Diocese of Kisantu is a local church which is alive and growing. It bears witness to Christ through its commitment to the welfare of the population, through its social work specialized in health care, education and development," said Cardinal Filoni in his speech, congratulating the Bishop, His Exc. Mgr. Fidèle Nsielele Zi Mputu, and all his collaborators, encouraging "to make further progress both at an ecclesiastical and social level." "Among the issues to be addressed, I remember in particular the lack of depth of faith on behalf of some Christians - said the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples - the multiplication of sects, the break-up of the family, the loss of moral and cultural values, poverty and illiteracy." In the perspective of the Year of Faith, by following the directions of Benedict XVI, Cardinal Filoni urged pastoral operators "to strengthen the missionary efforts and to continue with courage and in depth the work of evangelization." Even the Synod on the new evangelization will be an opportunity for reflection and rediscovery of faith, for a renewed and more steadfast commitment to the Gospel. Inviting to join in thought and prayer for these great events of the universal Church, the Cardinal underlined that "for an effective and credible missionary action, it is essential that you are united and supportive. The hallmark of Jesus’ disciple is love, which transforms into the service of others. Your love for Christ and the Church needs to be sustained by prayer, by reading the Word of God and the regular celebration of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist."
Finally, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples invited pastoral operators to participate in formation activities organized by the diocese, to improve one’s religious culture and gain a deeper understanding of Christian doctrine in order to play an "increasingly and effective role in the Church and in society." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 05/07/2012)
