Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Aparecida (Fides Service) - Archbishop Roberto Octavio González Nieves, of San Juan, Puerto Rico, tells Fides about the importance of 5th General Conference of the Bishops' Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean and the expectations of his country and his diocese with regard to what the Conference will bring.
Archbishop González Nieves how important is the Conference for the Church in Puerto Rico?
For us it re-launching the evangelising mission of the Church. We have already celebrated the 500 years of our faith in Jesus and now there is need of a second evangelisation which must be a new springtime for the Church.
Does the Church in your country have a special contribution to make to the Conference?
I would say that the challenges are the same as in the other countries: the family, justice, reconciliation, peace, and to lead the faithful to build a more profound, intimate and creative relationship with the Lord. These are the main challenges. In our country we have other specific problems by we are part of the Latin American socio-cultural context.
What questions concern your diocese or the situation in your diocese?
In the archdiocese of San Juan we have been holding a diocesan Synod which will close on 9 June. The synod was prepared with six years of meetings at the parish level, for priests. Then the year of the Synod started with 500 delegates meeting every Saturday to discuss 12 different themes: pastoral care for youth, family, schools, vocation pastoral in the sphere of priests, deacons, consecrated life, lay mission. These themes are the same as those being discussed at the Conference. We want our Synod to culminate with a “Great Mission” which will start from the conclusion of the 5th Conference.
Tell us about the spirit of this great ecclesial meeting?
The spirit is one of deep fraternal communion a sort of school for bishops with the bishops of Latin America, the United States, Canada, Europe, the Roman Curia. I think the main characteristic is dialogue, sharing experience with brother bishops of other countries is always helpful for fulfilling our responsibility to service the Church as bishops. This communion, this sharing is very helpful. It fortifies us in mission in commitment to serve the Church and our countries. I would also mention the beauty and intensity of the liturgies, and the participation of the Brazilian people in celebrations here at the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. (FP/RG) (Agenzia Fides 23/5/2007 righe 45 parole 450)
