Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Algiers ( Agenzia Fides) - The Catholics living in North Africa have welcomed the invitation to fasting and prayer for peace in Syria launched by the Archbishop of Tunis, Mgr. Ilario Antoniazzi, and the Bishop of Constantine, Paul Desfarges, shortly before a day of prayer and fasting proclaimed by Pope francis for the battered Middle Eastern Country, on Saturday 7 September.
This was said by Mgr. Claude Rault, Bishop of Laghouat-Ghardaia, in Algeria, in a letter sent on August 30 to Mgr. Maroun Laham, Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem of the Latins, with whom the Catholic Church in North Africa expresses solidarity and closeness in prayer to the Catholic community of the East.
"Faced with the tragedy that sinks Syria in violence and fratricidal war - reads the letter sent to Fides - and before the repercussions in your Country, in Churches and Muslim communities of the Region, I want to manifest our profound solidarity. This solidarity is expressed through prayer and fraternal ties established among us".
Mgr. Rault points out that "the Churches of Jordan have opened their doors and hearts to thousands of Syrian refugees at the price of heavy sacrifices, accepting poor citizens without distinction of any religious denomination . You have in particular contributed to this opening, asking your community to be generous and welcoming".
The Bishop of Laghouat - Ghardaia also recalls the recent meeting between Pope Francis and King Abdullah II of Jordan, at the end of a statement in which the Holy See says that dialogue is the only option to put an end to the conflict. A position shared by Archbishop Laham, which as recalled by Mgr. Rault , "through the voice of the media", said that "an external military intervention would be a disaster and would be the worst thing for Syria, and would risk unleashing a war beyond this Country".
Mgr. Rault concludes: " We are aware that the causes of this unsustainable violence go beyond the affected Country. Although we are without human means, we want to add our voice and our prayers to yours and to all the peacemakers working in Syria and elsewhere for peace and reconciliation". ( L.M. ) (Agenzia Fides 02/09/2013 )
