AMERICA/CUBA - For the first time CELAM will hold its Ordinary Assembly in Cuba 10 to 13 July, which will follow pastoral lines issued by the 5th General Conference of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean in Aparecida in May and elect a new executive council

Havana (Agenzia Fides) - The 31st Ordinary Assembly of the Council of Latin American Bishops' Conferences CELAM will take place in Havana at Casa San Juan Maria from the 10 to 13 July. This is the first CELAM assembly to be held in Cuba. The meeting, held every two years, will bring together 70 Bishop delegates from the countries of the continent, presidents of CELAM commissions CELAM, presidents and delegates of the Bishops' Conferences, heads of other CELAM bodies and several guests.
During the assembly the Bishops will follow up the pastoral guide lines issued by 5th General Conference of the Council of Bishops' Conferences of Latin America and the Caribbean in Aparecida held 13 to 31 May in Aparecida, Brazil. The meeting will serve to put into actin the indications of the Aparecida Document, approved by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, especially concerning the Great Continental Mission and the elaboration of a global pastoral plan. The participants will also elect new CELAM president, vice presidents, president of the economic committee and a secretary general.
Established 50 years ago CELAM has served as point of contact and cooperation pursuing the study of problems of common interest and facilitating their solution, giving greater impulse and effectiveness to Catholic activities on the continent by means of opportune coordination; promoting and supporting initiatives of common interest for Latin American countries. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 27/06/2007; righe 18, parole 230)