VATICAN: Message from Secretary of State to AMECEA on the occassion of Celebrating 50th Anniversary

His Eminence Cardinal John Njue

Archbishop of Nairobi

Chairman of the Kenya Episcopal Conference

The Holy Father was pleased to learn of the Seventeenth Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa and of the celebration of its Golden Jubilee taking place in Nairobi and He sends His congratulations and warm best wishes to you, to Archbishop Ziyaye, the Bishop Members and staff of AMECEA. He joins you in giving thanks to Almighty God for the many benefits received in the area of ongoing regional consultation and cooperation for the good of the Church.

His Holiness prays that the Lord will continue to bless your efforts to bring to the men and women of Africa the liberating word of the Gospel so that enriched by their personal encounter with Christ, they may respond with wisdom, charity and courage to the circumstances and challenges of their lives.

He trusts that the Word of God may accompany the People of Africa in their trials and in their joys so that living with and in the Risen Christ, they may always live in the light (cf. Verbum Domini, 12). Commending you and your faithful people to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, the Holy Father cordially imparts His Apostolic Blessing.

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone,

Secretary of State of His Holiness