ETHIOPIA: “Be inspired to proclaim the Gospel with renewed vigour and Conviction,” Pope Francis tells AMECEA Bishop
The Holy Father Pope Francis and AMECEA Chairman Cardinal Berhaneyesus
The Holy Father Pope Francis has called upon the AMECEA Bishops to be inspired to proclaim the Gospel with renewed vigour and conviction as this will make them continue being authentic apostles of Christ, ”fostering solidarity, fraternity, and the desire for goodness, truth and justice” throughout the region (cf Evangelii Gaudiurn, 71)
The message to the delegates of the 19th AMECEA Plenary Assembly which came through the Secretary of States at the Vatican H.E. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was read by the Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia H.E. Most Rev. Luigi Bianco during the Opening Mass held at the grounds of Mary Help of Christians Parish in Addis Ababa on Sunday 15th July.
“His Holiness Pope Francis sends warm greetings to you and to your brother Bishops gathered for this important occasion. His Holiness prays that, as you prayerfully discuss the mission of the Church in Eastern Africa, you may all be inspired to proclaim the Gospel with renewed vigour and conviction. In this way, you will continue to be authentic apostles of Christ ”fostering solidarity, fraternity, and the desire for goodness, truth and justice” throughout the region,” the message said.
The Holy Father entrusted the Plenary Assembly to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and imparted his Apostolic Blessing to the Plenary as a pledge of peace and hope.
Meanwhile in his own message to the delegates during the same occasion, the Apostolic Nuncio said that he prays for abundant fruits to be realized from the activities of the 19th AMECEA Plenary Assembly.
giving the speeches at the opening Mass of
AMECEA 19th Plenary Assembly
Archbishop Bianco told the plenary delegates that God who has chosen each one of us impels us to constantly engage in self renewal, to pass beyond what is familiar, to the fringes and beyond.
“He takes us to where humanity is most wounded, where men and women, beneath the appearance of a shallow conformity, continue to seek an answer to the questions of life’s meaning, and so if we dare go to the fringes, we will find him there in the hearts of our brothers and sisters, in their wounded flesh, in their troubles and in their profound desolation,” the Apostolic Nuncio explained.
He further said that Pope Francis with his examples and teachings, invites the entire church community to a new phase of evangelization, one marked by enthusiasm and vitality, and that Christians are called to be witness of the joy of the Gospel that fills the hearts and the lives of all who encounter Jesus.
The 19th AMECEA Plenary assembly, which opened officially on 13th July will run up to 23rd July with a number of activities scheduled to take place.
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By Pamela Adinda
