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Bangui (Agenzia Fides) - "Be united and supportive among each other! Consolidate the spirit of ecclesial communion and brotherhood so that your ministry is fruitful, and be an example for the flock entrusted to you": this is the recommendation that Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, addressed to the Bishops of the Central African Republic who he met at the Nunciature, in Bangui, on July 23.
In his speech, the Prefect of the Congregation mentioned some of the most important pastoral issues that Bishops must face "with courage and lucidity", "including the re-launch of the Evangelization ad gentes, family pastoral, catechesis, permanent formation of the clergy and laity, the fight against tribalism and ethnic conflicts, not to mention the belief in witchcraft and magic and superstitious practices, which are like cancer for the diocese and pollute the atmosphere of brotherhood and unity."
The Cardinal then invited the Bishops to be close to their priests, who are in need of affection, encouragement and care on behalf of their pastors. "Remember that the best testimony that the Church can give to the world is that of unity, brotherhood and communion - he continued -. May your diocesan communities be truly authentic Christian community where there is love, joy, sharing, forgiveness and reconciliation, just like the first community ... Be promoters of unity and communion among diocesan priests and religious, between natives and missionaries from other countries. In the Church there are no foreigners!".
The Cardinal Prefect then focused on the renewal and re-organization of Seminaries and pastoral vocations, showing amongst other things the necessity of "competent and able educators not only to transmit the doctrine, but also and especially to be an example of life for young people" and proposes the creation of a team for vocations in each parish.
In concluding his speech, Cardinal Filoni recommended the Bishops to take care of the formation of the laity, who "really need a solid Christian formation, steeped in evangelical values so that, freed from the beliefs and attitudes contrary to faith, may account for the hope that is in them." They must also provide support for families, called to take part in the mission of the Church and the building of society, to this end the appointment of chaplains for the family pastoral is "urgent and necessary". Finally, attention to catechesis, especially with regards to children, to be enhanced and intensified, as it is important that "faith education can begin at an early age." (SL) (Agenzia Fides 24/7/2012)
