AMERICA/PERU - “May the Congress foster a better understanding of the Council’s message and produce abundant fruits for renewal and holiness in the Church”: conclusion of Lima International Congress on Vatican II and future prospects

Tuesday, 24 January 2006

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Lima (Agenzia Fides) - Some 800 people attended a two day International Congress on Vatican II and future prospects in Lima 21 and 22 January at the Centre for Catholic Studies-Peru organised by the Life and Spirituality Centre.
Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, archbishop of Lima and Primate of Peru, affirmed that the Council was a prophecy of the future which sent the whole world a clear universal call to holiness. Archbishop Alcides Mendoza Castro, emeritus of Cuzco, the youngest bishop present at the council (then 34 years old and four years a bishop) recalled the most important events in the council sessions. Mgr Adriano Tommasi stressed the Council Fathers’ important message on Christian formation in schools, universities and other study centres. Mgr José Antonio Eguren spoke of abuse and mistaken interpretation of the liturgical renewal and called for a rereading of the Council texts and application in the spirit of total fidelity. Bishop Amaury Castanho emeritus of Jundiaí (Brazil), present at Vatican II as a journalist, said about Lumen Gentium that "forty years after Vatican II, the Catholic Church is more evangelical and generous in following the footsteps, example and life and of her divine Master".
Luis Fernando Figari, founder and superior general Christian Life Sodality who spoke on a correct reading of the Council, said it was a “most extraordinary event and blessing for our time” and he added that “evils which have arisen since the Council did not arise because of the Council". He concluded by saying “the best application of the Council is to live in Christ, in holiness”.
In the closing address Archbishop Alcidez Mendoza Castro, said he hoped "the Congress would lead to more commitment to live Vatican II". There was also the reading of a message from Cardinal Sodano, Holy See secretary of state on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI expressing the Pope’s wish that the teachings of the council will be increasingly meditated and spread and "that the work of the congress will help to spread the Council’s message so it may bear abundant fruits of renewal and holiness in the Church”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/1/2006 - righe 29, parole 420)