Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides)- “This seminar is of great importance for us as we start our ministry as bishops. I have greatly appreciated the conferences given by extremely competent speakers and the topics treated regarding the pastoral ministry of the bishop. The lectures and the opportunity to share experience and engage intense discussion with other bishops have made the seminar a most fruitful experience, good preparation for our pastoral mission. Church life is complex but this seminar has helped clarity many dilemmas facing a new bishop” Bishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu of the diocese of Kilwa-Kasenga in Democratic Congo told Fides. The Bishop is one of 98 newly appointed Bishops in mission territories at present in Rome for a three week study seminar 10-23 September, organised by the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.
“The Seminar has helped us to see clearly our responsibilities as bishops. Contact with other bishops has been most important. We come from all over the world, Africa, Asia, Latin America, but we have found that our experiences and concerns are similar” said Bishop Tesfaselassie Medhin of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat in Ethiopia.
“Poor social-economic conditions in our countries make life difficult for all” said Bishop Medhin. “A serious problem is poverty which affects young people in particular. But this does not stop the Christian community from living in hope and nourishing its faith. One promising element for the future is the existence of good relations and reciprocal respect among believers and communities of different faiths and collaboration at times of national crisis”.
Both dioceses have poor social and economic situations “In my diocese violence is a problem” the Bishop of Kilwa-Kasenga DR Congo told Fides. “The first problem is lack of security in several parts of the diocese. In four of my parishes the presence of militia causes unrest. Another problem is resettling of returning war refugees. These two problems I find most worrying. Progress on the path to peace is being made but there is still a long way to go”.
“Nevertheless we continue to preach and spread the Gospel” the African Bishop said. “When I get back one of my first engagements is to hold a meeting to plan pastoral activities and structures to meet the needs of a rural diocese in which long distances must be travelled to reach the faithful in parishes and villages. We intend to expand our structures but pastoral activity must be co-ordinated accordingly.
“As the local Church we also want to continue to make our contribution towards the promotion of the socio-political changes which our country is struggling to achieve. In October there will be a second round of presidential and local elections. In view of the first round of elections we promoted an awareness building campaign among the people and we will do the same to prepare for this second round” the bishop concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 21/9/2006 righe 41 parole 505)
