Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Maputo (Agenzia Fides)- The Catholic Bishops of Mozambique warn that a “climate of violence is spreading across the country from the cities to the more remote areas of the country with banditry, attacks by armed gangs, day light robberies and acts of retaliation”.
In a statement issued at the end of a plenary assembly 7-11 November the Bishops analysed the country’s social and economic difficulties the Bishops denouncing a high unemployment rate which forces “young people to become vagabonds, to steal to live and to fall victim of drug abuse”. The Bishops say another factor which weakens social cohesion and undermines national harmony and peace is corruption among state officials.
In recent months even priests and missionaries have been victims of the climate of insecurity in Mozambique. Brazilian Jesuit Fr. Waldyr dos Santos, and Portuguese lay volunteer Ilda Neto Gomes were murdered on November 6 at Angone Residence in the province of Tete (see Fides 7 and 20 November 2006).
With regard to state/church cooperation the Bishops say there are good relations in some dioceses such as Beira, with constructive dialogue between the local Church and local institutions on the law of the family and fruitful collaboration in the field of education. At the same time the Bishops stress their right to intervene on themes such as legislation involving the family, abortion, divorce “to cry out against civil laws which seriously offend truth and justice”.
On the ecclesial level, the Bishops say “reports from the individual dioceses give the impression of a growth in the faith, fruit of tireless labour of priests, religious, animators and catechists”. The Bishops are happy to note that many parishes and communities are on the way to becoming self-supporting, but they call for more commitment for vocations, referring to initiatives of the Pontifical Mission Societies such as Mission Sunday and Holy Childhood Day.
This year the Catholic University of Nampula marks the 10th anniversary of its establishment. In a report to the Bishops’ Conference, the Rector Fr Alberto Ferreira presented the goals of the college for 2007-2010, including the consolidation and strengthening of the Catholic identity of the university, greater financial autonomy thanks to a higher number courses and students; adaptation of academic grades and teaching methods to the Mozambican reality; expansion of infrastructures and creation of new braches of the university in the countries other four provinces. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 7/12/2006 righe 37 parole 451)
