AFRICA/MADAGASCAR - The figure of the priest, the Year of the Eucharist and Africa’s Year of the Bible, the fight against AIDS were some of the topics discussed by the Catholic Bishops of Madagascar during their recent plenary assembly

Antananarino (Fides Service) - The Catholic Bishops of Madagascar recently met in the capital Antananarino, for the annual assembly of the local Church Bishop Gustavo Bombin Espino of Tsiroanomandidy reported to Fides. The assembly began with a day of retreat led by Papal Nuncio in Madagascar, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, in a spirit of brotherhood and peace. Discussion during the assembly focused on the priesthood, vocations, formation and the lights and shadows of the priestly life. A group of representatives of men and women religious, clergy and laity were invited to reflect with the Bishops on the life and witness of the priest. The Bishops Conference of Madagascar intends to issue a Pastoral Letter on the subject addressed to the whole community.
Other matters discussed by the local Church included re-arrangement of some of the dioceses according to cultural, geographical and administrative affinities; the Year of the Bible which will be celebrated in all Africa in 2005; efforts in the field of ecumenism; the question of creating a Commission to coordinate the fight against AIDS; preparations for the Bishops’ ad limina visit to Rome in 2005; initiatives for the Year of the Eucharist and the 20th World Youth Day in Cologne, in August 2005, an appointment difficult to keep for many dioceses in Madagascar.
The Island’s Prime Minister Mr Syla attended the meeting and, as on other similar occasion, he took the opportunity to underline the government’s is full commitment to promoting development and overcoming poverty. He asked for collaboration from the Church and assured it of the government’s support. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 23/11/2004, righe 22, parole 294)