AFRICA - Africa’s Catholics start Holy Week Services with Palm Sunday

Rome (Fides Service) - Millions of African Catholics prepare to take part in Holy Week services. On Palm Sunday Catholics all over Africa went to Mass with the traditional palm for blessing .
In Gabon the mass in the capital Libreville was celebrated by Archbishop Basile Mvé Engone. At Port-Gentil, the country’s second most important city, Archbishop Mathieu Madega presided a large prayer gathering in the amphitheatre of a local Catholic high school.
As all over the world in Gabon too Catholics tale blessed palms home to decorate the family crucifix or place on the tombs of family members as a sign of faith in Christ and hope in the resurrection and eternal life.
In Côte d'Ivoire a procession was held on the eve of Palm Sunday through the streets of Abidjan, the country’s economic capital.
All over Africa in French, English and Portuguese-speaking countries widespread mobilisation of Catholics in view of Holy Week services demonstrates the growing importance of the Catholic Church on the continent. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2006 righe 20 parole 203)