Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) - “We wish to continue our service in the extension of the Kingdom of God by preaching His Word and celebrating the faith and hope of the Christian people, together with social and charitable services, education and the development of various sectors of our society, the cultural promotion of our rural and urban inhabitants, as well as that of our citizens of indigenous and African descent, without discrimination,” the Bishops of Ecuador stated in their message issued at the close of their Plenary Assembly, held April 21-25.
The Bishops also renewed their commitment to meet the just and legitimate aspirations of the country’s citizens, as they observe the Constitutive Assembly in its plans and proceedings for a complete institutional restoration. “On behalf of all believers, and with the support of close to a million signatures,” the Bishops said, “we are requesting that the Assembly address some crucial points, so that with God’s protection, life from conception until natural death may be respected; the family may be safeguarded, through a recognition of the fact that the family nucleus is formed only through the union of a man and woman; a guarantee for freedom of education and the right for parents to choose the education of their children. We also ask that the array of freedoms and rights recognized in the fundamental law remain alive.”
The Bishops also make reference to the natural disasters that have occurred in the past year. They themselves offered support with their Lenten collection “Munera 2008.” They expressed their sincere gratitude to the Archbishop of Munich (Germany), “who has carried on the 45-year tradition of fraternal support that this Archdiocese has continually shown us, allowing the Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference to meet some of the most urgent needs of victims.”
“Always ready to listen to the needs of our people, to share in their joys and sufferings, in the merciful love of Christ, we thank our communities for their generous participation the Church’s service to the world; we have been supported by a great number of our population and authorities; we appreciate the commitment of the mass media in providing information with honesty and responsibility; and we offer all people our continual prayers and dedication,” the Bishops concluded.
During the Assembly, new guidelines were established for the Bishops’ Conference for 2008-2011. They also elected their President, Archbishop Antonio Arregui Yarza of Guayaquil; Vice-President, Bishop Victor Corral Mantilla of Riobamba; and Secretary General, Bishop Angel Polivio Sanchez Loaiza of Guaranda.
During the Assembly, there was also a presentation on the progress of the organization of the CAM 3 event, which was given by the President of the Central Commission for CAM 3, Cardinal Antonio Gonzalez Zumarraga; Fr. Timoteo Lehane, SVD, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies and General Coordinator of the Congress, and Osvaldo Fierro, Executive Secretary of CAM 3. A brief summary was made, presenting the various “pre- Missionary Congresses” that have taken place and that will take place on both a national and international level. Information was also given on the confirmation of various speakers and sites where the Congress’ activities will take place. Among recent initiatives is that of an exposition on the missionary history of Ecuador, revealing some little-known facts about the missions, on display at the Cultural Center of the Pontifical University of Ecuador. There is also an initiative underway, for holding a Missionary Movie Festival in the Cultural House of Ecuador. The Executive Commission asked that a Bishop preside each one of the 16 forums that will be held during the Congress. Following this presentation, Fr. Sydney Fones, Assistant Secretary General for the Lain American Bishops’ Council (CELAM), explained the details of the Great Continental Mission, in order to coordinate its official launching at the Congress’ Closing Mass. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 28/4/2008; righe 51, parole 628)
