AMERICA/URUGUAY - The multiplication of loaves and fish inspires the pastoral guidelines for 2021-2023

Montevideo (Agenzia Fides) - The members of the Bishops' Conference of Uruguay met for their Plenary Assembly from 7 to 10 June, connected through a digital platform, and at the end of the work they informed about the main points discussed during the meeting. The Assembly opened with a lectio divina of the passage from the Gospel of St. Matthew 14, 13 - 21, the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, led by Mgr. Heriberto Bodeant, Bishop of Canelones. The biblical text, whose title is "Compassionate Jesus saves us", will illuminate the new pastoral guidelines of the Episcopal Conference for the period 2021-2023 that were approved during this Assembly.
The Bishops then focused on the calendar and on the implementation of the Synod in several phases, according to the new indications that Pope Francis has given to the whole Church. The first stage, at the diocesan and national level, will be from October 2021 to April 2022. The launch of the diocesan phase will take place on October 17, coinciding with the celebration of World Mission Day. From September 2022 to March 2023 there will be the continental stage and finally the stage with representatives from all over the world will take place in Rome in October 2023. During the Assembly, in addition to approving the 2020 budget, the Bishops met with Professor Federico Reyes, Executive Secretary of the Department of Catholic Education, who informed them of the progress of the training courses on "Protection of minors and prevention of sexual abuse". These courses are aimed at all those who in parishes, institutions or in different areas of the Church work with minors or vulnerable people. "Aware of the important mission that catechists carry out in our communities - continues the statement from the Bishops - we have studied and seen how to implement at a national level the indications given by Pope Francis for the establishment of the Ministry of the Catechist". The Bishops of Uruguay then dwelt on the conclusions of the 38th General Assembly of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), whose central theme was the restructuring project of CELAM, and on the preparations for the Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean, which will take place next November at the Shrine of Guadalupe, Mexico. Cardinal Daniel Sturla then reported on the beatification process of the Venerable Servant of God Mgr. Jacinto Vera, the first Bishop of Uruguay: an alleged miracle is being studied by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Finally, Mgr. Luis Eduardo González, Auxiliary Bishop of Montevideo and Rector of the Interdiocesan Seminary, reported on the progress made for the renewal according to the Fundamental Norms for the formation of priests in Uruguay. (SL) (Agenzia Fides, 11/6/2021)

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