Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Aparecida (Agenzia Fides) - A meeting of the various organising Commissions for the 5th General Conference of Council of Latin American Bishops’ Conferences, CELAM, will take place on 1 February at the House in Aparecida to discuss preparations for the Conference in May. The February 1 meeting will be attended by representatives of CELAM, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Brazil the archdiocese and national shrine of Aparecida, as well as members of the Commissions.
The Bishops’ Conference is preparing a handbook to prepare and accompany the visit by Pope Benedict XVI who has accepted to open the important CELAM 5 event. The handbook, based on the Liturgy of the Easter Season, will offer suggestions for reflection and prayers for every day of the month to help the people pray, reflect and accompany the discussion and discernment of the Bishops meeting for the Conference. The handbook will be distributed to parishes, religious houses, seminaries, reflection groups, families etc. and Catholic bookshops all over the country.
Work continues to complete preparation of the Conference site and organise accommodation for the participants. Bishops’ Conference secretary general Rev. Odilo Pedro Scherer said he is convinced CEALM 5 will be an event of grace and fruits for the Church in Brazil and the Church all over the world. Major questions for discussion will include, Christian Catholic identity as disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ in the world. This important point of reference according to Rev. Scherer must be continually recalled so as not to lose the route and ardour of Christian life. Don Odilo hopes the Conference will help the Church in Brazil enhance its identity and presence in society and give new impulse and enthusiasm to missionary endeavours. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 26/1/2007; righe 23, parole 318)
