AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - Even at the heart of Congo Catholics pray to assist the election of a new Pontiff

Wednesday, 13 April 2005

Bukavu (Fides Service)- “Yesterday 12 April the last requiem masses for Pope John Paul II were said every parish and our radio broadcast the last special evening prayers for the repose of the soul of the Pope” Italian missionary Fr Luigi Lo Stocco director of “Radio Maria Queen of Peace”, diocesan radio in Bukavu, in the east of Democratic Congo told Fides.
“As from this morning 13 April in churches all over Bukavu archdiocese prayers are being said to assist the election of a new Pope and parishes are organising meetings of reflection on the meaning of a conclave and the significance of these events for the universal Church”
Fr Luigi said a special prayer is being said at all masses after communion and he gave us the text: “God our Father, at this time of waiting the Church looks to you to ask you for a new Pope and we wish to join with our brothers and sisters of the universal Church to voice our hope in you O God and to thank you for the Pope you will give us. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, patron of our diocese and Queen of the Apostles assist the Church of her Son at this time of waiting and may she intercede for us with her Son, our Brother Jesus Christ”.
“This moment is intense. This waiting is like Pentecost. It is waiting for a Good Shepherd, like Pope John Paul II who will guide the ‘boat of Peter’ and be a ‘sign of unity and charity” the missionary said.
“Through our radio programmes we try to help people, Christians and non Christians, understand the events taking place in Rome which involve the entire universal Church” Fr Luigi concluded (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/4/2005 righe 25 parole 303)


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