EUROPE/PORTUGAL - Bishop of Portalegre-Castelo Branco proposes two targets for Lenten offerings a seminary in Guinea Bissau and a parish at home

Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Portalegre (Fides Service)- Bishop José Francisco Sanchez Alves of Portalegre-Castelo Branco diocese in Portugal has identified two important targets for Lenten saving and sacrifices, one in Guinea Bissau and the other at home
In his Letter for Lent Bishop Alvez urges Catholics to live the Lenten Season intensely reminding them of many spiritual resources, taking part in Holy Mass and popular devotions, individual and community prayer, Bible reading and reflection, acts of penance and going without certain material goods and helping the needy.
“When we look at Christ on the cross we cannot fail to be challenged by this act of infinite love for all humanity and this gives rise to a dynamic process of love and service of others” the Bishops writes in the Letter, suggesting that love could become concrete and help to build a seminary in Guinea Bissau and a Pastoral Centre for the diocese of Portalegre-Castelo Branco.
“In Guinea Bissau, where we are sending one of our missionaries of the Precious Blood, we will help build a house of formation for future priests to minister to people who received the faith from the Portuguese and who are condemned to live in dire poverty because of political instability”.
The second target which the people are encouraged to support with the Lenten offerings is a parish complex and a social centre in the Barrio dos Assentos district of their own city of Portalegre. The people of this rapidly growing populated district have been waiting for a parish centre for 20 years. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 20/2/2007 righe 26 parole 288)


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