Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Maputo (Fides Service)- “Portuguese is spoken by about 250 million people in many different countries and is one of the languages most used in the Catholic world. Common language enabled Bishops at the meeting to discuss the life and mission of the respective local Churches frankly and fraternally” said Bishop Odilo Pedro Scherer, auxiliary of Sao Paulo and secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Brazil in an article on a recent Meeting of Portugueses speaking Bishops’ Conferences held in Maputo, capital of Mozambique, 6 - 9 September (see Fides 13 September 2005).
The Bishops illustrated the religious, political, social and economic sitaution in their respective countries, their pastoral concerns and obstacles to evangelisation. They also made suggestions for collaboration in the field of mission and formation of agents for evangelisation. Bishop Scherer said the meeting focussed especially on Portuguese speaking Churches in Africa.
“The Church in Angola lives the typical situation of a young country emerging from a long and painful civil war, striving to consolidate fragile democratic institutions” said Bishop Scherer. “The extreme poverty of the people is a cause for concern. Catholicism is considered the main religion but more in-depth evangelisation is necessary. There are vocations but on the long path to the priesthood many give up”.
Mozambique, from the social point of view is similar to Angola:“a young country which lived a war for independence followed by a long and painful civil war. Democracy had to face considerable resistance to overcome the effects of Marxism. Catholics represent about 24% of the population. The Church enjoys freedom and esteem in society”.
Mozambique is a good example of cooperation among Portuguese speaking Churches. There are 25 missionaries, men and women, from Brazil working in Maputo. In this context the Church works to “consolidate peace, inculturate the faith and promote human development”.
In Guinea Bissau Catholics are 15% of the population. Also this country suffers the tragic consequences of a long civil war. The local Catholic Church helps support the country’s democratic institutions and efforts to promote a culture of peace. “The Bishops encouarage basic social groups, such as families, tribes, clans to promote values of solidarity, respect for the elderly and traditional family valuesi”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/9/2005 righe 39 parole 421)
