Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lima (Fides Service) - The Council of Latin American Bishops’ Conferences (CELAM), created in 1955 by Pope Pius XII at the request of the Catholic Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, is marking its 50th anniversary this year. With the start of celebrations for the 4th centenary since the death of Saint Toribio di Mogrovejo, Patron of Latin American Bishops’ Conferences from 17 to 20 May CELAM will hold its 30th ordinary assembly in Lima
The assembly has the following objectives: celebrate 50th anniversary of CELAM; examine concerns presented by Bishops’ Conferences; look at progress made half way through the pastoral plan 2003-2007; discuss preparations for 5th General Conference of CELAM.
Jubilee celebrations will open early in the morning of 17 May with an academic act “CELAM: 50 years: needs of new evangelisation” at the Auditorium Santa Orsola Education Centre in the San Isidro district of Lima. To retrace with happy and grateful sentiments progress made and outline the future objectives of this organ which is a fundamental point of contact, communion, formation, investigation and reflection for the local Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean, there will be two masterful conferences by Archbishop Stanislao Karlic, emeritus of Parana, Argentina, and Prof. Guzman Carriquiry Lacour, under secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity on the following themes: “50 years of CELAM: theological lines” and “50 years of CELAM: memory and future”. In the late evening thousands of people representing church movements, groups and associations, men and women religious and priests will gather for a solemn Mass of thanksgiving in Lima Cathedral presided by Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne. About 120 bishops from all over America will concelebrate.
This important ecclesial event will be attended by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America (CAL); Archbishop Luis Robles Díaze Vice President CAL; Bishop Presidents and heads of CELAM departments; presidents of Bishops’ Conferences; Conference delegates to CELAM and Aid Agencies. Special guests will include Cardinal Darío Castrillón Hoyos, prefect of the congregation for the Clergy and Bishops from the United States and Canada.
After the conclusion of celebrations for 50th anniversary of CELAM assembly working sessions will continue with the participation of CELAM members and special guests. On Friday 20 May in the afternoon a media conference at the Bishops’ Conferences head office (Jesús Maria - Lima) and a concelebration of Mass at the Basilica Saint Rosa, Patron of America will mark the end of these intense days of festivities, reflection, discussion and prayer. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 16/5/2005, righe 37, parole 470)
