Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Libreville (Fides Service)- Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples has concluded his pastoral visit to Gabon, (see Fides 31 May 2007) where on June 2 in the capital Libreville he presided a special Mass, the central event of a special Jubilee Year dedicated to John Paul II.
“Today's Liturgy focuses on the figure of Servant of God, Pope John Paul II and invites us to meditate on his life and his work and so reflect on the meaning of our Christian vocation and our sharing in the redeeming mission of Christ” the Cardinal Prefect said in his homily. “The call to holiness: this is the message which Pope John Paul II tirelessly announced to the whole Church. He announced it with his words, but even more with his life” said Cardinal Dias, recalling that the signs bearing the words “Saint now”, seen at the Pontiff's funeral demonstrated that “the People of God recognised the witness of a life of holiness lived by its shepherd”. “Yes I can bear witness to the fact that John Paul II was a saint. A holy man indeed. John Paul II was a man of enormous human sensitivity ” the Cardinal added.
“Such human sensitivity, rich and enriching, could not be possible without a life of profound communion with God ” the Cardinal said. “Prayer in the life of Pope John Paul II was a continual habit. During his many journeys, apostolic Nuncios who went in the middle of the night to put out the light in the chapel thinking someone had left it on, were not surprised to find the Holy Father there prostrate in prayer. Like Jesus, Pope John Paul II, spent many hours in prayer ”.
Another important lap of the visit in Gabon by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples was at Mouila, on June 3 where Cardinal Dias presided Mass for the consecration of a new cathedral dedicated to St John the Apostle. In his homily the Cardinal thanked all those who helped the completion of the project, in particular, the President of Gabon El Hadj Omar Bongo Odimba.
“With the consecration of this cathedral, a building made by human hands, let us think of the Church composed of “living stones” , Christians united with Christ in Baptism. The assembly of the people of God in the temple at Jerusalem prefigures the Church. You the Catholics of Mouila, are this assembly of God” Cardinal Dias concluded. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 4/6/2007 righe 39 parole 477)
