Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guatemala City (Fides Service) - “The teaching of Pope John Paul II, your predecessor, led us to rediscover the missionary riches and responsibility of these young Churches and to celebrate in November 2003, the Second American Mission Congress CAM 2 which he called “Continental Missionary Upper Room”. With the joy that that marvellous event reawakened in our communities to cast our nets into the deep sea of this modern world, we welcome the new Shepherd, His Holiness Benedict XVI around whose ministry we gather with renewed hope”. This statement was part of a letter addressed to Pope Benedict XVI by Bishop Julio Cabrera Ovalle of Jalapa, President of the Guatemalan Bishops’ Conference Commission for Mission and Fr Antonio Bernasconi national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies who sent a copy to Fides.
In the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI Bishop Cabrera Ovalle and Fr Bernasconi say they recognise the Shepherd filled with the power of the Holy Spirit who will lead the Church along the challenging paths of the new millennium. “He encourages us to be courageous and generous missionaries contributing from the lands of Central America to fulfil the great responsibility of building the Kingdom of God starting from our humbleness and poverty and the witness of our martyrs”. The letter ends assuring Benedict XVI of their desire to remain united with him in fervent prayer for his intentions for the good of the whole world waiting to hear the Gospel of Life. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 29/4/2005, righe 19, parole 251)
