Bujumbura (Fides Service) -“We the people of Burundi have suffered deeply but we also believe deeply in the redemptive value of suffering. We sympathise with our Holy Father Pope John Paul II in his present state of suffering. We recall with gratitude his apostolic visit to our country in 1990. May God comfort him in his suffering. This is our prayer for him”. This message was sent to Fides by Bishop Gervais Banshimiyubusa of Ngozi in Burundi. The Bishop assured the Pope of the affection and prayers of the people of Burundi who have suffered deeply since civil war first started in 1993.
Bishop Banshimiyubusa also thanked the Pope for his annual Letter to Catholic clergy for Holy Thursday: “The Letter was the subject of reflection during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday - he said - And after the mass the priests went away with their own copy to continue reflection personal meditation and reflection with the faithful during this Year of the Eucharist”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 31/3/2005 righe 13 parole 137)