AFRICA/DEMOCRATIC CONGO - First Sunday of Advent special prayers for peace in the Great Lakes region

Wednesday, 16 November 2005

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Kinshasa (Fides Service) - Catholics all over the world have been asked by Archbishop Laurent Pasinya Monsengwo of Kisangani president of the Bishops’ Conference and vice-president of Pax Christi International to offer special prayers for peace in the Great Lakes region of Africa on November 27, first Sunday of Advent.
“I write this letter to the Pax Christi family all over the world to ask you to join us in a World Day of Prayer for the Great Lakes Region of Africa” the Archbishop writes. “This joint initiative of the Bishops’ Conferences in Burundi, Congo and Rwanda is a call to ask you to pray fervently for this part of the world sorely affected by war, poverty and other ills. The date chosen for the special prayer is Sunday 27 November, 1st Sunday in Advent, but another day locally more suitable may be chosen”.
For many years now Great Lakes region in the heart of Africa has experienced a crisis of unimaginable proportions which caused the death of hundreds of thousands, frightful atrocities, numerous violations of human rights and mass displacement of peoples. The countries in the region are striving to leave behind this tragic period of their history and look towards better times.
In the region the echoes of war is still heard and dark scenes appear on the horizon particularly in east of Democratic Congo. “For some time we have seen a sequence of facts which provoke panic and psychosis corroding the social, economic and politico tissue in East Congo. What is happening?” a missionary asks. “Bukavu has been showered with leaflets saying war is imminent, provoking speculations which have attracted attention and led to discussions in some local media. The people’s request for reassurance from the administrative and military authorities met with silence and caused even greater anxiety. To whom should they turn for security?”.
This is why the day of prayer called by Archbishop Monsengwo is so important. “We ask every man and woman of faith and goodwill to join our prayer” the Archbishop of Kisangani said. “We thank you in advance and thank you also for any action in favour of the people of Africa in general and the Great Lakes Region in particular”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/11/2005 righe 38 parole 463)