Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - At the end of a general pastoral assembly organised by the archdiocese of Manila, yesterday 23 October, Archbishop Gaudencio B. Rosales said on behalf of the whole community “We wish to be a people called by God the Father to be in Jesus Christ a community of people who live the fullness of life, as witnesses to the Kingdom of God living the Paschal mystery under the guidance of the Holy Spirit accompanied by the Blessed Virgin Mary”.
The assembly, held 21 to 23 October, brought 2,000 delegates, priests, religious and laity and focussed on pastoral activity in Manila with special concern for the poor and people in difficulty and also discussed pastoral priorities identified by parishes, religious institutes, movements, associations. The experience will enable participants to plan suitable pastoral schedules to meet the demanding situation in the archdiocese.
“To forge ahead in its duty to evangelise, the Church must read the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel. (…) We will listen to the community of the faithful who have a lot to say because a good vision takes into consideration the needs and experience of the People of God”, the Archbishop said. “A good vision is also one anchored to the Word of God. God confirms many good desires in every person”.
The pastoral assembly was the first of its kind in Manila. For participants it was a concrete expression of communion to render thanks to Almighty God for a People of God ready for Adoration and service”.
The meeting marked the end of the Marian Year of the Eucharist, opened in October 2004 by the archdiocese of Manila. The Church in the Philippines lived it with special prayers trying to diffuse all over the country gratitude and love for the Eucharist. The archdiocese of Manila organised prayer vigils, Adoration dedicated to the life of the nation, meetings and study on themes of Eucharistic spirituality.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 24/10/2005 righe 27 parole 277)
