Guatemala City (Fides Service) - The Churches in the countries of central America will celebrate a Holy Year of Mission from 1 December 2002 - November 2003. In a Pastoral letter announcing the event the Bishops of Guatemala say: "This will be a special time in which we prepare to welcome with renewed enthusiasm the Lord's command to announce the Gospel to the ends of the earth. The purpose of this Holy Year of Mission is to foster personal and community encounter with the living Christ to heal the deep wounds inflicted by fratricidal violence. An encounter with the Saviour leads to re-conciliation, and prompts us to work with new energy to eliminate serious evils of poverty, violence, injustice etc. We are convinced that the proclamation of the Gospe,l the source of hope and life, will strengthen mercy, solidarity and love at work, in the community, in the family and in all walks of life." See whole text of the Pastoral Letter in Spanish at www.fides.org (Fides Service 14/11/2002)