| 29 - 23.10.2009 SUMMARY
- WORKING GROUPS: SEVENTH AND EIGHTH SESSIONS
- A DELEGATION OF SYNODAL FATHERS MEETS THE ITALIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
- EIGHTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION (FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2009 - MORNING)
- COMPOSITION OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL FOR AFRICA OF THE GENERAL SECRETARIATE OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
- CONVIVIUM WITH THE HOLY FATHER
- NOTICES
WORKING GROUPS: SEVENTH AND EIGHTH SESSIONS
Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday Morning 20 and 21 October 2009, the Working Groups continued their meetings. 211 Fathers were present in the Seventh Session and 214 in the Eighth Session.
The last phase of the Working Groups' work ended with the approval by each Working Group on the collective amendments, with absolute majority, which were given by the Relators of the Working Groups to the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Wednesday late morning, 21 October 2009 at the end of the work by the Working Groups.
The result of the work by the Relator General with the Special Secretary and the Relators from the Working Groups and some experts will be presented, in the form of the Final List of Propositions, during the Nineteenth General Congregation, this afternoon 23 October 2009 , with the expected vote during the Twentieth (and last) General Congregation, tomorrow morning, 24 October 2009.
A DELEGATION OF SYNODAL FATHERS MEETS THE ITALIAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Cooperation in development. Anti-Christian persecution and the battle against the trafficking of human beings, drugs and weapons, but also regional crises, human rights, reconciliation, justice and peace. These are the main themes faced yesterday morning at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting between Synodal Fathers and the Minister Franco Frattini. During the visit with the Head of the Farnesina, various common points came to light, among these the actuation of policies that place the human being at the center, avoiding the negative effects of globalization above all on the weakest.
After the meeting, Cardinal Francis Arinze, President Delegate of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops commented: What the Italian government has done and will do was very positive, including encouraging the Africans to be the protagonists of their own present and future, and appreciate the value of interdependence, which when accepted becomes solidarity. We also added that there are areas where the government could pay more attention to Africans, who for the majority are students, so that during their stay here they do not need to renew their documents every two years. Also the question of immigration: every Country has the right to have their own laws, but there is so much suffering; he who doesnt die in the desert dies in the Mediterranean. Then development must be promoted, so that the temptation to migrate will diminish. The right to look for a more dignified life elsewhere cannot be taken away.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Franco Frattini answered the pleas of the Church in Africa, anticipating some proposals on immigration and formation. Then he explained the commitment by the Italian government against religious persecution and said that now is the time for Europe to take a firm and clear stand: I believe that the European Union must assert with force its political will to act to all governments where these horrible episodes occur, to call their attention to them. Secondly, it should monitor the situation of religious freedom of Christians in many parts of the world.
During the meeting, the project for a European agency for those requesting political asylum and for refugees was foreseen. The Minister explained: It is a project which provides for an agency to study according to common procedures asylum requests, for the non-Europeans who arrive in any European country: that is, there will no longer be different criteria which today exist, where each country has its own rules in judging, recognizing or not according to differing criteria, and those being accepted will have the right to freely travel throughout all of Europe.
[00337-02.02] [RE000] [Original text: Italian]
EIGHTEENTH GENERAL CONGREGATION (FRIDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2009 - MORNING)
- PRESENTATION AND VOTING ON THE MESSAGE TO GODS PEOPLE
- AUDITIO AUDITORUM (VIII)
At 9:00 today, Friday 23 October 2009, optional memory of Saint John of Capistrano, Franciscan priest, patron of military chaplains; in the presence of the Holy Father, with the chant of the Hour of Terce, the Eighteenth General Congregation began, for the presentation and voting on the Message by the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.
The Acting President Delegate was H.Em. Card. Wilfrid Fox NAPIER, O.F.M., Archbishop of Durban (SOUTH AFRICA).
At the beginning of the Eighteenth General Congregation, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, His Exc. Mons. Nikola ETEROVIĆ gave the names of the 12 members nominated by the Special Council for Africa of the General Secretariate of the Synod of Bishops and the 3 members nominated by the Holy Father. The list is published in this Bulletin.
Before the interval, the Secretary General announced that last Wenesday His Em. Card. Antonio CAÑIZARES LLOVERA, Prefect of the Congregation for the Divine Cult and the Discipline of Sacraments, Archbishop Emeritus of Toledo (SPAIN), gave the Holy Father the Compendium Eucharisticum, which comes after the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis, published in February 2007 at the conclusion of the XI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops held in Rome in 2005 on the theme: The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church. A copy will be given to each of the Synodal Fathers, as per the Prefects wishes.
At the end of the General Congregation, the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops reminded all that at 2:00 pm. this afternoon, the Members of the Commission for Information, guided by H. Em. Card. John NJUE, Archbishop of Nairobi, President of the Episcopal Conference (KENYA), will vist the temporary Office del Fungo responsible for the publication and translation of news, created especially for the occasion of the Synodal Assemblies by the Holy See Press Office. In explaining the work done in this Office, the Secretary General also said that this is the Mass Media place of the Synod of Bishops, which during these days has made small miracles to spread the information about our work.
This General Congragation ended at 12:00 with the prayer of Angelus Domini.
PRESENTATION AND VOTING ON THE MESSAGE
During this Eighteenth General Congregation the President of the Commission for the Message
- H. Exc. Mons. John Olorunfemi ONAIYEKAN, Archbishop of Abuja (NIGERIA); H. Exc. Mons. Francisco João SILOTA, M. Afr., Bishop of Chimoio, Second Vice-President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (S.E.C.A.M.) (MOZAMBIQUE); H. Exc. Mons. Fidèle AGBATCHI, Archbishop of Parakou (BENIN) and H. Exc. Mons. Giorgio BERTIN, O.F.M., Bishop of Djibouti, Apostolic Administrator "ad nutum Sanctae Sedis" of Mogadiscio (SOMALIA) read the Message of the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops in the 4 linguistic versions in which it was written (Italian, English, French and Portuguese):
Not final text will be published in the next Bulletin N.30.
AUDITIO AUDITORUM (VIII)
After the break, the following Auditors intervened:
- Mrs. Myriam Inmaculada GARCÍA ABRISQUETA, President of "Manos Unidas"; Member of Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" (SPAIN)
- Mrs. Elisabeth TWISSA, Vice President of the World Union of Catholic Women Organisations (W.U.C.W.O.) (TANZANIA)
- Rev. Sister Cecilia MKHONTO, S.S.B., Superior General of the Sisters of St. Brigid (SOUTH AFRICA)
- Mr. Maged MOUSSA YANNY, Executive Director of the Association of Upper Egypt for Education and Development (EGYPT)
- Dr. Orochi Samuel ORACH, Assistant Executive Secretary of the "Uganda Catholic Medical Bureau", Kampala (UGANDA)
- Mr. Emmanuel Habuka BOMBANDE, Executive Director of "West Africa Network for Peacebulding" (W.A.N.E.P.) (GHANA)
- Mr. Jules Adachédé HOUNKPONOU, General Secretary of the International Coordination of the Working Christian Youth (C.I.G.I.O.C.) (BENIN)
- Fr. Joaquín ALLIENDE, President of the International Association Kirche in Not", Germany (CHILE)
- Dr. Munshya CHIBILO, Head of Distance Adoption Projects of the Pope John XXIII Community Association (ZAMBIA)
- Mr. Augustine OKAFOR, Specialist in government administration (NIGERIA)
- Prof. Josaphat Laurean KANYWANYI, Associate Professor of Law, University of Dar-es-Salaam (TANZANIA)
The interventions by some of the Auditors were already published as in scriptis (by error) in Bulletin No. 24 of Wednesday October 14th 2009
The interventions by the Auditors that were not already published as in scriptis (by error) in Bulletin No. 24 of Wednesday October 14th 2009, can be found below.
- Mrs. Myriam Inmaculada GARCÍA ABRISQUETA, President of "Manos Unidas"; Member of Pontifical Council "Cor Unum" (SPAIN)
The contribution is found in the Insturmentum laboris: Chapter IV The Church-Family of God at Work: Witness and New Perspectives, 103-105, 115, 137, 145. It also comes from the experience of Manos Unidas (United Hands) in the promotion of integral human development among disadvantaged groups in Africa and from the lay vocation of this institution.
Africa has an extraordinary ancient culture, a valuable patrimony that enriches whoever has the chance to approach it. However, in extended areas of this continent the most basic needs are not met, and this is a deep wound both for the African people and for all humanity.
The Church in Africa offers a wonderful witness in favor of justice, forgiveness and peace. Ecclesiastical development organizations must continue to support this work of the Church on the continent. They must also really unite with the African people, and accompany their processes without impositions. In order to secure the right to food, families should be helped in agriculture and in many other fundamental fields of development: health, education, social promotion and the promotion of women. Few factors among those that persist in African society are as pernicious as the discrimination of woman. They can play an important role in the solution of conflicts.
It is the responsibility of all those who work for the transformation of the values in the northern countries to denounce injustices and encourage the great institutions to fulfil their commitments, thus consolidating a fairer future for the African people.
Celebrating in this Synod our 50 years is a privilege for Manos Unidas (United Hands). Thank you, Holy Father, for offering us this opportunity. We are aiming for cooperation in development based on fraternal truth. This way we wish to contribute through Charity and social action to show the wonderful and loving face of Jesus Christ and his salvation Message.
[00308-02.02] [UD037] [Original text: Spanish]
- Mrs. Elisabeth TWISSA, Vice President of the World Union of Catholic Women Organisations (W.U.C.W.O.) (TANZANIA)
Three years ago 600 Catholic Women from all over the world met in Arlington Virginia, under the umbrella of the WORLD UNION OF CATHOLIC WOMEN'S ORGANIZATIONS (WUCWO) .The Theme of the Assembly was - "Women Peacemakers: United in Faith and Action" which in a way is very much connected to the theme of this gathering .We thank The Holy Father and the Synod Fathers for allowing us to carry on discussing and reflecting on this theme which now we must try urgently put in action when we go forth from this synod.
As women of faith we affirm that "peace is the fruit of Justice...peace is likewise the fruit of love which goes beyond what Justice can Provide" (Gaudium et Spes, N. 78)
Consequently we believe that prevention is better than cure if women in Africa are able to speak and work in a way which removes conflicting relationships which reign among peoples everywhere today even, within families, they will have accomplished a great step ahead for humanity. In this respect as a church there is need to take steps that can ensure that the women are empowered to undertake this very fundamental role.
I am putting emphasis on this because I believe that women through their personality as mothers can contribute to reverse the situation which has been echoed by many speakers in this gathering. This can be through education, participation and group training to foster peace through dialogue, exchange of ideas with a view to changing society
[00309-02.02] [UD038] [Original text: English]
- Prof. Josaphat Laurean KANYWANYI, Associate Professor of Law, University of Dar-es-Salaam (TANZANIA)
The CPT (Christian Professionals of Tanzania) has championed the Social Doctrine of the Church. We work under the spiritual guidance of a National Chaplain who is secretary to the Justice and Peace Commission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC). We enjoy the support of the Church and serve the Episcopal Conference as part of its think-tank. We are guided by the biblical message of humility, charity, penance and forgiveness. CPT is devoted to the call Thy Kingdom come.
CPT engages in regular spiritual reflections, Radio and TV Programmes, and publications on civic education regarding reconciliation, justice and peace issues. It also organizes voluntary civic services, involving truth, reconciliation, justice and peace concerning:
Health for the poor and the vulnerable in special health clinics served by volunteer Christian professional doctors and nurses.
Law/Justice for the indigent in legal aid clinics by volunteer lawyers.
Youth counseling clinics serving non-school-going loitering youth, male and female of all religious and political orientations , providing them with alternatives to drug and alcohol abuse; opening their eyes to a morally better future.
Championing self help economic schemes, especially saving and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs).
Engaging the political authority in matters of ethics and good governance, human rights observance, justice , economy, elections, transparency and accountability.
Thus, in CPT the Church has eyes that can and do see , ears that can and do hear, arms that can and do work, legs that can and do walk and tongues that can and do talk and speak for the Body of Christ
May this august Assembly give due recognition to the role that the Lay apostolate and particularly the Christian professionals can play in rendering the Church in Africa a true family of God "the salt of the earth"; "the light of the world"
[00333-02.02] [UD047] [Original text: English]
COMPOSITION OF THE SPECIAL COUNCIL FOR AFRICA OF THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
- H. Em. Card. Wilfrid Fox NAPIER, O.F.M., Archbishop of Durban (SOUTH AFRICA)
- H. Em. Card. Francis ARINZE, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacrements (NIGERIA)
- H. Em. Card. Peter Kodwo Appiah TURKSON, Archbishop of Cape Coast, President of the Association of the Episcopal Conferences of Western Africa (A.E.C.W.A.) (GHANA)
- H. Em. Card. Théodore-Adrien SARR, Archbishop of Dakar, First Vice-President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (S.E.C.A.M.) (SENEGAL)
- H. Em. Card. John NJUE, Archbishop of Nairobi, President of the Episcopal Conference (KENYA)
- H. Exc. Mons. Laurent MONSENGWO PASINYA, Archbishop of Kinshasa (DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO)
- H. Exc. Mons. Norbert Wendelin MTEGA, Archbishop of Songea (TANZANIA)
- H. Exc. Mons. John Olorunfemi ONAIYEKAN, Archbishop of Abuja (NIGERIA)
- H. Exc. Mons. Simon NTAMWANA, Archbishop of Gitega, President of the Association of Episcopal Conferences for Central Africa (A.E.C.C.A.) (BURUNDI)
- H. Exc. Mons. Cornelius Fontem ESUA, Archbishop of Bamenda (CAMEROON)
- H. Exc. Mons. Odon Marie Arsène RAZANAKOLONA, Archbishop of Tananarive (MADAGASCAR)
- H. Exc. Mons. Youssef Ibrahim SARRAF, Bishop of Cairo of Chaldean Rite (EGYPT)
- H. Exc. Mons. Maroun Elias LAHHAM, Bishop of Tunis (TUNIS)
- H. Exc. Mons. Edmond DJITANGAR, Bishop of Sarh (CHAD)
- H. Exc. Mons. Francisco João SILOTA, M. Afr., Bishop of Chimoio, Second Vice-President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (S.E.C.A.M.) (MOZAMBIQUE)
CONVIVIUM WITH THE HOLY FATHER
Tomorrow, Saturday 24 October 2009, His Holiness Benedict XVI invited the Synod Fathers and the Participants of the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, to a luncheon at 1:00 p.m. in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, as a sign of common joy at the conclusion of the intense days of Synodal work.
NOTICES
- PRESS CONFERENCES
- POOL
- LIVE TV COVERAGE
- TELEPHONE NEWS-BULLETIN
- OPENING HOURS OF THE HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE
PRESS CONFERENCES
The third Press Conference on the Synod works (with simultaneous translations in Italian, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese) will be held in the John Paul II Hall of the Holy See Press Office today Friday 23 October 2009 (after the Nuntius) at approximately 12:45 pm. Speakers:
- H. Exc. Mons. John Olorunfemi ONAIYEKAN, Archbishop of Abuja (NIGERIA), President of the Commission for the Message
- H. Exc. Mons. Youssef Ibrahim SARRAF, Bishop of Cairo of Chaldean Rite (EGYPT), Vice President of the Commission for the Message
- H. Exc. Mons. Francisco João SILOTA, M. Afr., Bishop of Chimoio, Second Vice-President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (S.E.C.A.M.) (MOZAMBIQUE), Member of the Commission for the Message
The fourth Press Conference on the Synod works (with simultaneous translations in Italian, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese) will be held in the John Paul II Hall of the Holy See Press Office on Saturday 24 October 2009 (after the Elenchus finalis propositionem) at approximately 12:45 pm. Speakers:
- H. Em. Card. Peter Kodwo Appiah TURKSON, Archbishop of Cape Coast, President of the Association of the Episcopal Conferences of Western Africa (A.E.C.W.A.) (GHANA), Relator General
- H. Exc. Mons. Damião António FRANKLIN, Archbishop of Luanda, President of the Episcopal Conference (ANGOLA), Special Secretary
- H. Exc. Mons. Edmond DJITANGAR, Bishop of Sarh (CHAD), Special Secretary
The Press Conferences are presided by Rev. F. Federico LOMBARDI, S.I., Director of the Holy See Press Office, Secretary ex-officio of the Commission for Information of the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.
For an access permit, audio-visual operators (cameramen and technicians) and photographers are requested to apply to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.
POOLS
The last pool of accredited journalists to access to the Synod Hall, for the opening prayer of the morning General Congregations will be formed for tomorrow Saturday 24 October 2009.
For the pools, the photographers and TV operators are kindly requested to apply to the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.
The Participants in the pools are kindly requested to meet at 8:30 am in the Press Sector which is located outside, in front of the entrance to the Paul VI Hall. From there they will be accompanied by an official of the Holy See Press Office (for reporters) and by an official of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications (for photographers and TV camera teams). Suitable dress is required.
LIVE TV COVERAGE
The following event will be transmitted live on the TV monitors in the Telecommunications Room, in the Journalists Room and in the John Paul II Conference Hall of the Holy See Press Office:
- Sunday 25 October 2008 (10:00): Solemn Concelebration of the Holy Mass at the conclusion of the Synod (Saint Peters Basilica).
TELEPHONE NEWS-BULLETIN
During the period of the Synod, a telephone news-bulletin will be available:
- +39-06-698.19 for the ordinary daily Bulletin of the Holy See Press Office;
- +39-06-698.84051 for the Bulletin of the Synod of Bishops - morning session;
- +39-06-698.84877 for the Bulletin of the Synod of Bishops - afternoon session.
OPENING HOURS OF THE HOLY SEE PRESS OFFICE
During the II Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, the Holy See Press Office will be open during the following hours, until 25 October 2009:
- Until Saturday 24 October: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday 25 October: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The staff of the Information and Accreditation Desk (to the right of the entrance hall) will be available:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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