Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Luanda (Agenzia Fides) - “The Church in Angola can enrich the pastoral renewal of the Church in Italy with its joyful and festive and actively participated liturgies; commitment of the laity, catechists in particular; concern for the poor and situations of people in persons in difficult or irregular situations; commitment to evangelisation and catechesis; recognition of the value of the family, despite difficulties; profession of faith explicit, accepted and open, even to martyrdom. The Church in Italy can help the Church in Angola to meet its pastoral needs intensifying missionary commitment also sending families at the service of evangelisation. The ecclesial style, the wealth of formative proposals and social activity are treasures which the Church which sent us can enrich the Church which has welcomed us. Continuity in supporting requests of aid projects is needed. With opportune initiatives we could make our experience in this country better known in Italy.” This is part of the final message issued at the end of a Meeting for Italian missionaries Angola, held in Luanda 13 to16 June (see Fides 16/6/2006).
At the initiative of the Italian Bishops’ Conference and the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and Sao Tomè, with the support of local conferences of men and women religious, 54 Italian missionaries men and women, lay people and the first Fidei donum in Angola who arrived only a week ago met for three days “to reflect on evangelisation in Angola and Italy - the message states - grow in exchange of missionary cooperation between the two Churches and identify adequate responses to urgent challenges.”
Although one of the riches Sub-Saharan countries with deposits of oil, diamonds and other prime materials, Angola has millions of starving people because of corruption, wars, inter-ethnic and tribal conflict. “Not lacking however are reasons for hope and some steps in the right direction. But more decisive action is needed to defend interests and rights of the people” the missionaries write.
The participants identified certain decisive elements of the apostolic activity of the Church in this country which missionaries intend to continue and support. “The fundamental objective is evangelisation so the message of the Gospel may progressively fecund the different areas of political, economic and cultural life of Angolan society… Priority emphasised include: catechesis, proclamation, family, vocations. Special attention is due to liturgy, that it may be a path of sanctification, and the need to adapt the organisation of pastoral work to the needs of today. The greatest challenge remains formation in general and formation of formators especially, to render them capable of accompanying the path of faith of young men towards the priesthood and the consecrated life. An important commitment is that of collaborating for forgiveness and reconciliation.” (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 23/6/2006 - Righe 36; Parole 493)
