Catéchèse du Pape (29/04/2015)/Pope’s catechesis (29/04/2015)/Catequese do Papa (29/04/2015)

Speaker : Chers frères et sœurs, le premier signe par lequel Jésus a manifesté sa gloire se situe à Cana, lors d’un mariage. Ce signe contient un message qui est toujours valable. Aujourd’hui, les personnes qui se marient sont moins nombreuses, et dans beaucoup de pays le nombre des séparations augmente, alors que celui des enfants diminue. La difficulté de rester ensemble conduit à rompre les liens plus fréquemment et rapidement, et les enfants sont les premiers à en supporter les conséquences. Beaucoup de jeunes renoncent à un projet de lien  définitif et d’une famille stable. Il est donc important de chercher à comprendre pourquoi ils ne se marient pas ou préfèrent souvent la cohabitation. La peur d’échouer est peut-être le plus grand obstacle à l’accueil de la parole du Christ qui promet sa grâce à l’union conjugale et à la famille. Il n’y a pas de meilleure façon de dire la beauté du sacrement de mariage que le témoignage de la vie généreuse des époux chrétiens et de la famille ! Quand ils s’épousent ‘dans le Seigneur’, les chrétiens deviennent un signe efficace de l’amour de Dieu, en faveur de toute la communauté et de la société tout entière.

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Saint Père : 

Saluto cordialmente i pellegrini di lingua francese, particolarmente i sacerdoti della Diocesi di Beauvais, con il loro Vescovo Mons. Benoît-Gonnin; i giovani di Marsiglia con l’Arcivescovo Mons. Pontier e i numerosi pellegrini venuti dalla Francia. Vi invito a vivere la fraternità, l’accoglienza e la condivisione, come veri discepoli di Cristo. Che Dio vi benedica!

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Speaker : Je salue cordialement les pèlerins de langue française, particulièrement les prêtres du diocèse de Beauvais, avec leur Évêque Mgr Benoît-Gonnin, les jeunes de Marseille, avec l’Archevêque Mgr Pontier et les nombreux pèlerins venus de France. Je vous invite à vivre la fraternité, l’accueil et le partage, en véritables disciples du Christ. Que Dieu vous bénisse !                                                                

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Speaker: Dear Brothers and Sisters, As we continue our catechesis on the family, we look to the marriage feast at Cana, where Jesus performed his first miracle, changing water into wine, at the prompting of Mary his Mother.  In this way, he showed his loving concern for the couple and gave a “sign” which has much to tell us about the meaning and importance of marriage itself.  Today, society is confronted with fewer marriages.  In many countries, separation of couples is increasing, while the number of children is decreasing.  These broken marriage bonds affect the young most of all, as they come to view marriage as something temporary.  Perhaps there is a fear of failure which prevents men and women from trusting in Christ’s promise of grace in marriage and in the family.  And yet, in truth we know that almost every man and woman desires a secure and lasting relationship, a stable marriage and a happy family.  The most effective witness to the blessing of marriage is the good life of Christian spouses and their families.  The consecration of their love by God is the font of their peace and fidelity.  To make these blessings more evident to the world, the equality enjoyed by the spouses must produce new fruit – equal opportunities in the workplace; a new valuing of motherhood and fatherhood; and a greater appreciation for the openness of families to those most in need.  Let us not be afraid to invite Jesus and Mary to the marriage feast, for Christian spouses marry not only for themselves but for the good of the community and for all of society. 

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Holy Father:  

Saluto cordialmente i pellegrini di lingua inglese presenti a questa Udienza, specialmente quelli provenienti da Inghilterra, Irlanda, Svezia, Africa, Australia, Giappone, Indonesia, Malesia, Filippine, Canada e Stati Uniti. Il vostro pellegrinaggio nella Città Eterna vi confermi nell’amore a Cristo e alla Chiesa.  Dio vi benedica tutti!

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Speaker:

I offer an affectionate greeting to all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present at today’s Audience, including those from England, Ireland, Sweden, Africa, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Canada and the United States.  May your pilgrimage to the Eternal City confirm you in love for our Lord and his Church.  May God bless you all! 

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Speaker: Desde o tempo das Bodas de Caná, para as quais foi convidado Jesus, muita coisa mudou. Devemos interrogar-nos seriamente sobre as razões que levam tantos jovens a optar por não se casarem. Preferem a convivência e, habitualmente, de responsabilidade limitada… Por que não se casam? As dificuldades não são apenas de carácter económico, nem se ficam a dever – como querem alguns – à emancipação da mulher. Na realidade, quase todos os homens e mulheres sonham com uma segurança afectiva estável, um matrimónio sólido e uma família feliz. A família aparece no topo das preferências dos jovens, mas, com medo de falir, muitos descartam-na; e este medo de falir é talvez o maior obstáculo para aceitarem a palavra de Cristo, que promete a sua graça à união conjugal e à família. Em Caná, Jesus não só participou nas Bodas, mas salvou a festa com o milagre do vinho. Queridos irmãos e irmãs, não tenhais medo de convidar Jesus para as vossas Bodas. Quando se casam «no Senhor», os cristãos são transformados num sinal eficaz e duradouro do amor de Deus: o matrimónio é uma festa que se renova nas sucessivas estações da vida dos esposos. O testemunho mais persuasivo da bênção do matrimónio cristão é a vida boa dos esposos cristãos e da família. Não há modo melhor para manifestar a beleza deste sacramento.

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Santo Padre:  

Carissimi pellegrini di lingua portoghese, in particolare i sacerdoti di Aracajú e i diversi gruppi parrocchiali del Brasile e del Portogallo, benvenuti! Di cuore vi saluto tutti e affido al buon Dio la vostra vita e quella dei vostri familiari. Pregate anche voi per me! Le vostre famiglie si radunino quotidianamente per la recita del rosario sotto lo sguardo della Vergine Madre, affinché in esse non si esaurisca mai il “vino buono” di Gesù.

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Speaker:

Queridos peregrinos de língua portuguesa, em particular os sacerdotes de Aracajú e os diversos grupos paroquiais do Brasil e de Portugal, sede bem-vindos! De coração vos saúdo a todos, confiando ao bom Deus a vossa vida e a dos vossos familiares. Rezai também vós por mim! Que as vossas famílias se reúnam diariamente para a reza do terço sob o olhar da Virgem Mãe, para que nelas não se esgote jamais o «vinho bom» de Jesus!

PONTIFICAL ACTS: Fr. Edward Mapunda is the new Bishop of Singida in Tanzania

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Edward Mapunda as the new Bishop of Singida Diocese in Tanzania. Up until his appointment, Fr. Mapunda has been the Diocesan Procurator as well as the head of the health ministry in the diocese.

Bishop elect, Edward Mapunda was born on 30 September 1964 at Mango, in the Diocese of Mbinga. After his primary and secondary school studies, he went to Ntungamo, Bukoba where he studied Philosophy. He later went to the interdiocesian seminary of St. Charles Lwanga in Segrea, Dar-es-Salaam.

He was ordained priest on 23 November 1997 for the Diocese of Singida. After his ordination, he worked in the minor seminary of Singida before pursuing a Master degree in Education at the University of Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania. Between 2004 and 2006 he was the Vice Rector of the minor seminary in Singida. In 2006, he was appointed Diocesan Treasurer as well as the head of the diocesan health ministry.

The Catholic Diocese of Singida, erected in 1972, is a suffragan diocese of Dodoma Archdiocese. It covers an area of  49,341 square Kilometres and has an approximate population of 1.5 million inhabitants. Of these, 238, 307 are Catholics. The Diocese has 22 parishes, 67 priests (50 Diocesan priests and 17 religious).  There are also 423 religious sisters and 14 seminarians.

The diocese has been vacant since 15 January 2013 when Bishop Désiderius M. Rwoma was transferred to Bukoba Diocese as new Bishop.

(e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va)

SANTA SÉ : Papa aos Bispos do Benim: defender “património frágil” do diálogo com o Islão

O Papa Francisco recebeu em audiência nesta segunda-feira os bispos do Benim em visita “ad Limina apostolorum”. No seu discurso o Papa começou por realçar a importância deste encontro que manifesta a comunhão fraterna existente entre todos os bispos com aquele que preside à esta comunhão, o sucessor de Pedro, uma realidade profunda e sobrenatural, disse, de que eles nunca estão sozinhos mas estão todos unidos ao serviço dum único Senhor.

O Papa agradeceu em seguida ao Senhor pelos progressos que Ele concede à Igreja no Benim, pelo ministério dos seus bispos, um progresso visível na animada vida paroquial, os fiéis que participam em grandes números às celebrações, as numerosas conversões a Cristo e também no aumento das vocações sacerdotais e religiosas. Esta fé, porém, é por vezes superficial – advertiu o Papa – e por isso é importante que o desejo de um conhecimento profundo do mistério de Cristo anime todos os fiéis do País. Isto é de capital importância, disse o Papa Francisco, para que a Igreja no Benim possa resistir aos ventos contrários que sopram por todo lado no mundo, tais como as múltiplas agressões ideológicas e mediáticas. Apenas uma fé profundamente enraizada no coração dos fiéis, e concretamente vivida, permitirá vencer tais situações.

O Papa referiu-se em seguida aos principais desafios que dizem respeito à família e aos quais o próximo Sínodo dos Bispos tentará responder, e encorajou os bispos a continuarem com determinação nos seus esforços para apoiar as famílias, na sua fé e na sua vida quotidiana.

Sei que a pastoral do matrimónio continua difícil, disse, dada a concreta situação social e cultural do vosso povo, mas não deveis perder a coragem, mas perseverar sem cessar porque a família como é defendida pela Igreja Católica é uma realidade desejada por Deus; é um dom de Deus que traz alegria, paz, estabilidade e felicidade, para as pessoas e para a sociedade. E trata-se de uma questão importante, insistiu o Papa, pois a família sendo a célula de base para a sociedade como também para a Igreja, é nela que se  transmitem os autênticos  valores humanos e evangélicos.

O Papa falou também do desafio dos jovens e da educação, para o qual os bispos devem estar vigilantes. As numerosas escolas católicas onde os jovens são acolhidos são um esforço que se deve continuar sem cessar, disse ainda o Papa, porque a formação integral, humana e espiritual das novas gerações é importante para o futuro da sociedade à qual darão o seu contributo  sobretudo em matéria de solidariedade, justiça e respeito pelo outro. O Papa convidou os bispos também a promover no País o encontro entre as culturas e o diálogo entre as religiões, especialmente com o Islão. É verdade que o Benim é conhecido como exemplo de harmonia entre as religiões presentes no território, mas convém ser vigilantes e conservar esta frágil herança, dado o clima actual em que vivemos, disse o Papa.

Papa Francisco falou em seguida no papel da Igreja do Benim  na promoção da concórdia e da justiça particularmente através das obras de saúde e promoção humana. Num momento em que a crise económica mundial está a afectar muitos países, o Papa convidou os bispos a ir corajosamente contra a corrente, e lutar contra a cultura do "descartável" espalhada por todo lado e a difundir os valores evangélicos da hospitalidade e do encontro.

O Papa saudou enfim o generoso empenho dos sacerdotes ao serviço da boa nova e reiterou a importância de uma formação equilibrada nos Seminários, tendo sempre em conta o aspecto humano, espiritual, comunitário e intelectual.

O bispo deve ser um pai para os seus sacerdotes, deve promover a comunhão e fraternidade no seio da família sacerdotal, cuidar daqueles que estão em dificuldade, dos mais frágeis, e especialmente dos jovens que mais precisam ser acompanhados, disse o Papa Francisco, convidando os bispos a continuarem as boas relações existentes entre a Igreja e as autoridades e a tomar o próprio lugar na vida pública do País, evitando contudo de entrar directamente no jogo político e nas querelas dos partidos.

E após tê-los confiado à protecção da Virgem Maria o Papa deu-lhes a sua bênção apostólica extensiva aos sacerdotes, pessoas consagradas, catequistas e todos os fiéis das dioceses do Benim. 

P. Bernardo SUATE,                                    Rádio Vaticano/Programa Português

Nos fréquences en KHz sur les Ondes courtes (Heure en Temps universel)/ Our frequencies in KHZ on Short Waves (Universal Time)/As nossas frequências e

Anglais-Afrique/ English-Africa/Inglês-África :

5 :00 : 9660 - 11625

7 :00 : 7360 – 13765

8 :30 : 11625 – 13765

19 :30 : 11625 – 13765 - 15570

22 :00 : 13765 – 15570

[Rome: FM: 103.80]

Français-Afrique/French-Africa/Francês-África :

4:30 :  7360 - 9660

6 :30 : 7360 – 13765

8 :00 : 11625 – 13765

19 :00 : 13765 - 15570

22 :30 : 13765 – 15570

[Rome: FM: 103.80]

Portugais-Afrique/ Portuguese-Africa/Português-África :

7 :30 : 7360 – 11625 – 13765

20 :00 : 11625 – 13765 - 15570

[Rome: FM: 103.80]

Kiswahili :

5 :30 : 7360 – 9660

9 :30 : 9660 - 11625

18 :00 : 13765 – 15570

[Rome: FM: 103.80]

NB:

Partout dans le monde, on peut suivre nos programmes à travers notre site internet www.radiovaticana.va.  De même, on peut suivre en direct les images des événements, des cérémonies du Pape sur notre Player video live dont le lien se trouve sur notre site internet.

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Please note that you can follow our programmes at all times, day and night the world over. Just go to www.radiovaticana.va. Also you can follow a live video coverage of Papal events by clicking on the video player on the website.

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Em todo o mundo é possível seguir os nossos programas através do nosso sito internet www.radiovaticana.va Do mesmo modo, se podem também seguir in directo as imagens dos acontecimentos e cerimónias do Papa  no nosso Player vídeo ao vivo, cujo link também se encontra no nosso sito internet.

Avis pour les radios catholiques africaines et les auditeurs de Radio Vatican/ Notice to Catholic Radio Stations in Africa and listeners of Vatican Ra

Radio Vatican avait produit en 2011 un album musical, Afrika tenda amani (fais la paix, Afrique), avec le concours de quelques artistes musiciens africains dont Papa Wemba de la République démocratique du Congo et Bonga d’Angola. Cet album qui accompagne l’exhortation post-synodale Africae munus, reflète les thèmes de la Deuxième assemblée spéciale pour l’Afrique du Synode des Évêques (réconciliation, justice et paix), a été expédié à toutes les radios catholiques africaines par le canal des Pères Evêques diocésains auxquels Radio Vatican a fait parvenir 3 copies.

Si jamais une radio n’a pas encore reçu une copie de cet album, elle peut nous écrire (africa@vatiradio.va) nous en demander. De même, nous disposons de quelques exemplaires pour nos auditeurs qui en feront la demande. Mais la quantité est fort limitée.

P. Jean-Pierre Bodjoko, SJ

Responsable du Bureau de Promotion de Radio Vatican pour la zone Afrique

E-mail : africa@vatiradio.va

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In 2011, Vatican Radio produced a music album titled Afrika tenda amani (Make Peace, Africa), with the help of a few African musicians including Papa Wemba of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bonga from Angola. Three copies of the CD album, which accompanied the publication of the post-synodal exhortation Africae munus  and reflects on the themes of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops (reconciliation, justice and peace) was sent to all  Catholic radio stations in Africa through the local bishops.

If your radio station has not yet received a copy of this album, please write to africa@vatiradio.va to request a copy. Also, we have a limited number of copies for our listeners who may also send their requests to the above email address.

Fr. Jean-Pierre Bodjoko, SJ

Head of the Promotions Office for Africa

Vatican Radio

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A Rádio Vaticano tinha produzido em 2011 um álbum musical denominado Afrika Tenda Amani (faz a paz, África), com a participação de alguns artistas músicos africanos, dentre os quais Papa Wemba da República Democrática do Congo e Bonga de Angola. Este álbum, que acompanha a Exortação pós-sinodal Africae Munus reflecte os temas da Segunda Assembleia Especial para a África do Sínodo dos Bispos (reconciliação, justiça e paz), e foi enviado a todas as Rádios Católicas africanas através dos Senhores Bispos Diocesanos aos quais a Rádio Vaticano fez chegar três cópias.

Se por acaso alguma Rádio ainda não recebeu uma cópia deste álbum, podem nos escrever (africa@vatiradio.va) para solicitá-lo. Da mesma forma, também dispomos de alguns exemplares para os nossos ouvintes que o solicitem. Mas a quantidade é muito limitada.

P. Jean-Pierre Bodjoko, SJ

Responsável do Departamento de Promoção da Rádio Vaticano, para a região África

E-mail: africa@vatiradio.va

PROGRAMME FRANÇAIS-AFRIQUE : SUIVEZ-NOUS SUR FACEBOOK

En plus de notre site internet, vous pouvez aussi suivre de nos nouvelles sur Facebook à l’adresse : Radio Vatican Français-Afrique. Cliquez sur "j'aime" pour interagir.

Adresses utiles pour Radio Vatican/Useful contacts of Vatican Radio/Endereço

P. Federico LOMBARDI, SJ

Directeur Général/General Director/Director Geral

e-mail: lombardi@vatiradio.va

M. Giacomo GHISANI

Relations Internationales/International Relations/ Relações Internacionais

e-mail : relint@vatiradio.va

Tel : +39.06.698.83945

P. Jean-Pierre BODJOKO, SJ

Responsable Bureau de Promotion-Afrique/Head of Africa’s Promotion Office/ Responsável

Sector de promoção-Afrique

e-mail: africa@vatiradio.va

Tel : +39.06.698.83366

KENYA: Create jobs for African youth in Africa, urges Cardinal Njue

The Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), John Cardinal Njue, has urged that more job opportunities be created in African countries to stem the problem of illegal immigration into Europe.

Speaking during a press conference in Germany organised by Missio München, Cardinal Njue said not all who flee do so because of persecution or imminent violence in their countries.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Njue said “The terrorist attack by the Islamic Al-Shabaab militia at Garissa University College at the beginning of April was a painful experience”. He added that the attack was committed by Islamic radicals. However, Muslim leaders in Kenya were among the first to distance themselves and condemn the terrorist attack where 148 people were killed. “Nearly all of those killed were Christians,” he said

Cardinal Njue said the proposal by the Kenyan Government to close the Dadaab Refugee Camp may not be the solution to the problem of terrorism in Kenya.

“Officially 350,000 people live in the camp situated near the Kenya- Somalia border although the number could be higher," said Cardinal Njue. "It is suspected that Islamic militia may have found their way into Dadaab and closing the camp would also mean punishing the innocent and putting people in danger in Somalia,” He said.

According to Cardinal Njue, the Catholic Church in Kenya is involved in talks with the Government and its voice is being heard. He expressed hope that the refugee camp would not be closed. Instead, he proposed that a political solution be sought. The Cardinal also attributed the escalating state of insecurity in Kenya to corruption, saying many Somalis in the camp had come into Kenya through bribery of border patrol officials.

The Pontifical Missionary Society, Missio Munich has supported projects in Kenya between 2011 and 2014 according to Missio-President, Monsignor Wolfgang Huber. Among those are projects emphasizing inter-religious dialogue, education and support to refugees.

(By David OMWOYO in Germany)

e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va

COTE D’IVOIRE : Nouvelle évangélisation. Quelle mission, quelle formation ?

Institut de théologie qui met au cœur de l’enseignement et de la recherche la Mission pour y préparer les vrais témoins de l’Evangile, le Centre de Formation Missionnaire d’Abidjan (CFMA) qui célèbre ses dix ans d’existence, a organisé du 24 au 26 avril un colloque international sur « Nouvelle évangélisation : quelle mission, quelle formation ? »

Le rapport entre évangélisation et mission du Christ se pose aujourd’hui dans un contexte d’attiédissement et de perte de la foi dans les pays du Nord. Il soulève dans les pays du Sud la question première de l’enracinement de la foi reçue de l’Occident dans les cultures endogènes.

Le lien entre l’Evangile, l’histoire, la culture et le vécu de la foi doit être en perpétuel et constant aggiornamento tant du point de vue de la formation des acteurs que des méthodes de la mission. Le défi de la nouvelle évangélisation, ont souligné les différents intervenants,  demeure celui de la redécouverte de la Mission du Christ, l’émergence et la formation d’ouvriers apostoliques, ministres ordonnés, baptisés, religieuses et religieux, qui soient capables de témoigner de manière prophétique de Jésus dans les sociétés industrielles et postmodernes ainsi que dans celles où se posent des questions élémentaires de développement humain, de justice et de paix.

La proclamation de la Bonne Nouvelle de l’amour et de la miséricorde infinie de Dieu, a déclaré Mgr Joseph Spiteri, Nonce Apostolique en Côte d’Ivoire, doit être au cœur de la mission et de la formation. La mission, a-t-il insisté, est véritablement le fruit d’une communion ecclésiale. Le témoignage de charité fraternelle, humble, attentive et concrète, offerte avec simplicité, favorise l’accueil de la Bonne nouvelle dans la communauté chrétienne. L’enjeu de la nouvelle évangélisation est donc la fidélité de l’Eglise à sa mission de témoin du Christ dans les sociétés actuelles.

Jean-Noël LEMFUKA Ava,                                     Abidjan, pour Radio Vatican

NIGERIA: Bishop looks forward to the end of ‘Boko Haram’s madness’

"Hopefully this is really the beginning of the end of Boko Haram," says Nigeria’s Bishop of Maiduguri Diocese,  Oliver Dashe Doeme. The Bishop said this about the current situation in Nigeria, where in recent weeks the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, appears to have suffered serious setbacks at the hands of Nigerian, Chadian and Cameroonian military forces. Bishop Doeme was speaking to representatives of “Aid to the Church in Need.” 

"Extremists continue to attack because the military have not been able to hit all the strongholds of Boko Haram,” says Bishop Doeme, “and I am not surprised that Boko Haram is still attacking new areas."

The Bishop, however, speaks of several areas recaptured by the army. He hopes that the newly elected Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari who from 1983 to 1985 held the position of President of the Supreme Military Council, will have more success than his predecessor.  "Buhari has solid experience in the military and this will certainly have positive effects in the fight against terrorists. Fighting Boko Haram is one of the priorities of the new government and we hope we can finally put an end to this madness, " the Bishop said.

Following the re-conquest of areas once in the hands of Boko Haram, the first refugees and some Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been able to finally return home. Bishop Doeme has been visiting several parishes in his diocese to give comfort to the faithful just returned.

The violence of Boko Haram has seriously affected the Diocese of Maiduguri.  The death and destruction at the hands of Boko Haram are too ghastly to contemplate: Thousands of Christians and some Moslems, among them many Catholics, killed by Boko Haram; 350 Catholic churches destroyed; many priests and religious women displaced from their rectories and convents respectively. Also destroyed are three of the four Catholic schools in the diocese.

Despite the terrible suffering, Bishop Doeme invites the faithful not to give in to the desire for revenge. "The crimes committed by Boko Haram are the work of the devil. Only God can free us.  He will fight this war and end the violence," Bishop Doeme said.

In 2014, Church in Need donated 45,000 Euro to help the Diocese of Maiduguri cope with the influx of many internally displaced persons.

Aid to the Church in Need is an international Catholic charity under the guidance of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.

(Source: Church in Need)

e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.v

CAMARÕES: menos confrontos armados, mas sempre elevada a emergência de refugiados

"Diminui o interesse geral em relação aos ataques na região do lago Chade, a atenção dos media é baixa, mas nós continuamos a sofrer as consequências da violência do Boko Haram" - é a recente denúncia de D. Bruno Ateba, bispo da diocese de Maroua-Mokolo  no norte dos Camarões, à Ajuda à Igreja que Sofre. "A extrema pobreza faz com que a área seja um enorme tanque a partir do qual se podem recrutar novos combatentes", reiterou o bispo Ateba numa entrevista à Rádio Vaticano.

É uma verdadeira guerra que se combate contra o Boko Haram nas áreas de fronteira entre a Nigéria, os Camarões e o Chade. Foi atacado no último fim de semana o batalhão do Níger e várias aldeias no estado de Borno, norte da Nigéria. Milhares de soldados camaroneses protegem a fronteira, desde que o Boko Haram a atravessou, atacando o norte do país. Militares também ao longo das estradas e nos principais centros habitados, para proteger os pouquíssimos brancos, essencialmente apenas missionários, que ainda ficaram na área. Se numa primeira fase o alvo eram sobretudo os estrangeiros, no último ano são, pelo contrário, os camaroneses das aldeias do Norte que sofrem as represálias dos jihadistas: Igrejas queimadas, casas destruídas, mulheres violentadas ou mortas, crianças recrutadas muitas vezes pela força, outras vezes em troca de dinheiro para as famílias. O desemprego e a pobreza no Extremo Norte, como é chamada esta região, a mais seca e quente do País, infelizmente, não ajudam.

"Do ponto de vista militar, a situação está a melhorar" – informa o Irmão Fabio Mussi, missionário do PIME desde 2009 e coordenador da Caritas na Diocese de Yagoua – esperemos, porém, que não se trate de uma fase de reorganização dos fundamentalistas, com  a nova situação política nigeriana, e com as novas possíveis alianças internacionais com as outras redes terroristas. Nas duas dioceses do norte dos Camarões, a diocese de Maroua-Mokolo e de Yagoua, os deslocados internos unem-se aos refugiados nigerianos, em rápido aumento desde agosto de 2014. Parecem ser mais de 80 mil ao longo da fronteira, dos quais 45 mil encontraram refúgio em Minawao, um campo de refugiados gerido pela Organização das Nações Unidas nos Camarões.

Das várias organizações humanitárias, somente as Caritas locais ficaram para fornecer apoio alimentar e médico constante a todos os outros refugiados, muito mais numerosos que os recursos disponíveis. Basta pensar que a diocese de Yagoua consegue fornecer, com muito esforço, apenas uma refeição a cada duas semanas, a uma parte deles. Às condições já extremamente críticas, se juntam a discriminação e o medo para minoria cristã, medo de uma guerra que continua a enfurecer-se  contra os símbolos religiosos, e também ocidentais.

P. Bernardo SUATE,                                    Rádio Vaticano/Programa Português

KENYA: Catholic Relief Services celebrates 50 years

Non-Governmental and non-profit organisations have been challenged to focus more on innovation and diversification in order to complement the efforts of the Kenyan government in developing the country.

Speaking during the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) golden jubilee celebrations in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, on Wednesday, Kenya’s former republican president Mwai Kibaki said it was now time for NGOs operating in Kenya to actively encourage expansion of sources of wealth creation amongst Kenyans.

President Kibaki said the efforts of getting involved in economic value addition, agriculture, agro-processing and processing of consumable goods for the domestic and export market will solve the problem of unemployment and poverty in the country.

President Kibaki commended the work of the Catholic Church in the evangelization, education and health sectors adding that, it has been more than 100 years since the Catholic mission was established in Kenya.

Representing the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the Archbishop of Nyeri, Peter Kairo, congratulated the CRS East Africa region for 50 years of “great and exemplary service to humankind through charity work,” he said.

Archbishop Kairo commended CRS for strengthening Catholic Church institutions in East Africa by offering trainings directly or indirectly to employees implementing CRS programmes and Church leaders in policy and governance issues. This, he said, has enabled them to become competent witnesses of the Gospel of Christ.

The Archbishop also applauded the efforts and commitment of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in assisting the poor and vulnerable in the East Africa Region.

The colorful CRS celebration, hosted by the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, brought together old and new employees of CRS. The celebrations were led by the executive vice president of CRS for overseas operations, Schylor Thorup.

Several KCCB representatives and other partners participated in the celebrations.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The organisation describes itself as the official overseas relief and development agency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and a member of Caritas International and as well as the National Catholic Development Conference.

CRS approaches emergency relief and long-term development holistically.

(By Rose ACHIEGO)

e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va

CABO VERDE : O cristão deve manifestar o que é, lá onde se encontra - D. Ildo Fortes

O Bispo da Diocese do Mindelo, Dom Ildo Fortes, disse este Sábado, na ilha de Santiago, que os fiéis leigos em Cabo Verde, onde quer que estejam, devem dar o testemunho daquilo que são.

O prelado falava aos jornalistas na sequência da conferência sobre “África e desenvolvimento sustentável”, promovida pela União Internacional Cristã de Gestores e Empresárias (UNIAPAC-África), em parceria com a Associação dos Gestores, Empresários e Profissionais Católicos de Cabo Verde (AGEPC-CV).

Conforme adiantou cada um deve actuar no seu campo próprio como verdadeiro, justo e solidário.

Dom Ildo acredita que a partir desse momento já e possível criar uma nova dinâmica no sentido de influenciar o mundo empresarial com o evangelho.

Declarações feitas pelo Bispo da Diocese do Mindelo, na conferencia sobre África e Desenvolvimento Sustentável, ele que foi orador no painel da política, tendo como temas  ética cristã, solidariedade  e dignidade da pessoa humana  e o papel da religiões  na manutenção da paz e do desenvolvimento harmonioso.

Para além da religião foram discutidos temas relacionados com a economia e política no evento que  reuniu ma Cidade Velha, património da Humanidade  bispos, arcebispos e representantes associativos de vários países de África, Europa e da América Latina.

Dulce ARAÚJO, Rádio Vaticano/Programa Português (Com Rádio Nova-Emissora católica cabo-verdiana) 

RD CONGO : Jubilé d’argent du néocatéchuménat dans le diocèse d’Uvira

La communauté du chemin néo-catéchuménal a célébré ses vingt-cinq ans d’existence au diocèse d’Uvira, dans la province du Sud-Kivu. Mgr Sébastien Muyengo a présidé l’eucharistie de circonstance concélébrée, le samedi 18 avril, dans la cathédrale saint Paul d’Uvira. Des délégations des membres sont venues des paroisses d’Uvira mais aussi de Kamituga, de Bukavu et de Bujumbura au Burundi voisin.

Dans l’homélie, l’évêque d’Uvira a révélé avoir retenu que le néo-catéchuménat, comme on dit, n'est, à proprement parler, ni un groupe ni un mouvement d'action catholique. Qu’il est plutôt un chemin, un itinéraire spirituel et catéchétique où la liturgie et la lecture de la Parole de Dieu dans la communauté et la famille sont très importantes. Mgr Muyengo a souligné aussi l’importance donnée à la responsabilité des laïcs. C’est pourquoi l’évêque d’Uvira a invité les membres du chemin néo-catéchuménal à attirer beaucoup d’autres chrétiens à les rejoindre au service de l’Eglise.

A noter que le Chemin Néocatéchuménal a été introduit à Uvira en 1989 sur invitation de l’évêque d’alors, Mgr Jérôme Gapangwa.

P. Jean-Baptiste MALENGE Kalunzu, OMI,                      Kinshasa, pour Radio Vaitcan

ZIMBABWE: Eighty nine students graduate from the Catholic University of Zimbabwe

The Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ) Friday witnessed the graduation of 89 young men and women after they finished their undergraduate studies at the institution.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Catholic university’s  St Thomas Aquinas Square and was graced by the Archbishop of Harare who is also the Chancellor of the Catholic university. Others in attendance were  the Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe, Archbishop Marek Zalewski , Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) chair, Bishop Michael Bhasera , several priests, religious sisters, laity, relatives and friends of the graduating students. The Government was represented by  the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology Development, Dr Godfrey Gandawa.

In his Speech, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Ranga Zinyemba alluded to the socio-economic challenges lying ahead of the graduates coupled with de-industrialization and unemployment which has spiraled to eighty five percent in the country.

“The World Bank Survey on the Conduciveness of Doing Business in 2014 ranked Zimbabwe at No. 170 out of 189 countries surveyed, meaning that an investor is likely to choose 169 countries in which to do business before they consider to invest in Zimbabwe.

“This, I am afraid, Your Grace and Chancellor, is the world into which we are sending these young men and women graduating from our university today”, said Prof Zinyemba.

Minister Godfrey Gandawa applauded the efforts being made by the university in grooming quality and innovative young people for the market and appreciated the institution’s 2013-2022 strategic development plan. “We appreciate that the Catholic University is a growing university and in that light, we continue to encourage you to keep your focus on quality, growth and innovation as outlined in your Strategic Development plan 2013 - 2022”.

The minister also commended the university’s initiative of satellite campuses that include St Augustine Seminary in Zimbabwe’ second biggest of city of Bulawayo. Other centres are in Chinhoyi Pastoral Centre and Mutare Diocesan Training Centre. The minister told the gathering that the university’s ability to network and find opportunities for synergy is a good strategy that ensures a win - win situation ensuring better utilisation of existing facilities.

The Catholic University of Zimbabwe’s 2015 graduation was the 12th since its inception. The enrolment at the university grew from 280 students in December 2013 to 1, 833 students in April 2015.

(Jesuit Communications Zimbabwe –Mozambique)

e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va

BURKINA FASO : Célébration de la semaine de la jeune fille catholique

Le dimanche 26 avril 2014 a vu la cérémonie d’ouverture de la semaine diocésaine de la fille catholique à Ouagadougou. Cette année, c’est la paroisse notre Dame des apôtres de la Patte d'Oie qui accueille la célébration de cette semaine. Les jeunes filles qui sont accourues des paroisses de l’archidiocèse de Ouagadougou, ont bravé la canicule de ce mois d’avril à travers un cross populaire, question de se mettre en jambe pour une semaine qui sera riche en émulation à travers les prestations théâtrales.

Sans faire vraiment foule, ce qui est bien dommage, les filles ont commencé leurs activités avec la récitation de la prière du chapelet à la grotte mariale paroissiale. Leurs prières se sont faites ferventes au bénéfice de l’église universelle et spécialement de la jeune fille engagée dans le combat pour la vie où elle est constamment appelée à un témoignage digne de son grand frère Jésus.

Pour cette présente édition au thème « Pour la paix, fille catholique lève-toi », les filles veulent mettre l’accent sur la culture de la paix. Contexte international et surtout national obligent. Un thème qui vient bien à propos selon les mots de monsieur l’abbé Martin Simpore dans son adresse d’accueil aux jeunes filles à la paroisse de la Patte d’Oie : « la paix dit-il, nous en avons besoin. Pourtant notre monde a mal à sa paix ». « Fort heureusement poursuit-t-il, se lèvent au cœur de ce monde, des hommes et des femmes au cœur de feu, des jeunes gens et des jeunes filles qui malgré leurs hésitations et leurs maladresses parfois, brûlent du feu de l’amour de Dieu et veulent bien le partager avec d’autres ».

Durant une semaine, les filles de l’archidiocèse de Ouagadougou vont monnayer ce thème de la paix à travers une compétition inter paroissiale de théâtre. Dans le contexte de l’année de la famille et à l’intersection des synodes sur la famille, celles qui sont « les mères de demain », vont à partir de leurs connaissances spirituelles et humaines, rivaliser en créativité et en génie, pour proposer leur apport à la culture de la paix dans les familles et par tant dans le monde. Pour monsieur l’abbé Valery Sakougri aumônier diocésain de la jeunesse, « les filles vivent cette semaine en esquisse d’accomplissement de l’axe stratégique du témoignage et de la communion contenu dans un plan d’action pastoral triennal qui finit cette année 2015 ».

Pour la réussite de leur semaine et afin que tout le fruit attendu soit optimal, les jeunes filles se sont attaché l’accompagnement de la troupe théâtrale « la Parole ». Spécialisée dans le champ de l’évangélisation par le biais du théâtre, cette troupe est auteur du Festhevan, le Festival de Théâtre et d’Evangélisation » dont la 3ème édition va se vivre en concomitance avec la semaine de la fille catholique. Selon le représentant du ministre de la culture,  « FESTHEVAN est une tribune d’échange et de promotion de la culture, et véhicule des initiatives à encourager ». Le Président de la jeunesse Thierry Dabre, qui voit au théâtre « un puissant moteur de communion », attend beaucoup de la part des filles des 13 paroisses en compétition, durant ces prestations qui vont se produire chaque soir et de façon tournante dans les chapelles des Communautés Chrétiennes de Base de la Paroisse.

Le cardinal Philippe Ouedraogo qui s’est fait représenter par monsieur l’abbé Josef Ilboudo, a exprimé aux jeunes filles l’intérêt qu’il porte pour la tenue de ces journées. « Que ces activités au programme de votre semaine,  participent à votre mission d’évangélisation » leur a-t-il dit. Il a exhorté les filles au «combat pour se libérer des esclavages de toute forme dans leur vie, qui n’honorent pas le christ, et qui empêchent l’instauration de la fraternité entre les hommes». En assurant les filles de sa prière paternelle, le cardinal les a invitées à « fuir l’esprit du profit et de la facilité, en mettant en valeur les vertus que leur grand frère Jésus leurs a disposées ». Il ne reste plus qu’à souhaiter une plus forte mobilisation des jeunes du diocèse, les soirs des représentations, afin que ces messages qui seront émis par les filles soient portés aussi loin que possible.

A. Joseph KINDA,                            Ouagadougou, pour Radio Vatican

KENYA: Prayer necessary for the discernment of vocations

Parents must help their children discern and nurture their vocations, experts on youth vocations have said. Speaking at the weekend in Nairobi, Kenya at the Holy Family Minor Basilica on World Vocation Sunday, the Basilica’s youth Chaplin, Fr. Bernard Kabiu advised parents and Kenyan society at large to help their children on the path of vocational discernment.

World Vocation Sunday is a day set aside to pray for vocations. A number of speakers rallied Christians to live true to their vocations if they were to bring positive change in the society.

“As we pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, we pray that the Lord may send many more faithful servants to His vineyard,” said Fr. Simon Kinjanjui, the Holy Family Minor Basilica’s assistant parish priest.

Fr. Kinjanjui invited all who are called to participate in the missionary role of Jesus Christ to remain faithful to their various callings and instill values in the youth while journeying with them in discernment of their vocations.

(By Rose ACHIEGO in Nairobi, Kenya)

e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va

RD CONGO : Des jeunes consacrés dans les bancs de l’Assemblée nationale

De jeunes religieuses et religieux ont occupé des sièges avec des députés de l’Assemblée nationale lors de la séance plénière du jeudi 23 avril au Palais du peuple de Kinshasa. Le ministre des Affaires étrangères, Raymond Tshibanda, présentait aux députés nationaux une information sur la situation des Congolais victimes de la xénophobie en Afrique du sud.

Le vice-président de l’Assemblée nationale, Charles Mwando Nsimba, président de la séance, avait signalé, au micro, cette présence des étudiants de l’Institut Saint Eugène de Mazenod. Ils étaient 140. Avant la séance plénière, ils avaient assisté, dans deux autres salles, aux travaux dans deux sous-commissions. On y discutait une proposition de loi portant sur la normalisation et la métrologie et une révision du code de la famille.

Les jeunes religieuses et religieux ont posé des questions concernant le respect de la diversité culturelle et la prise en compte de la volonté du peuple. Des députés ont répondu en expliquant le fonctionnement du Parlement et toute la longue procédure de l’élaboration, l’adoption et la promulgation d’une loi. Les députés ont aussi exhorté les consacrés à instruire à leur tour le peuple sur le rôle réel d’un député et sur le fonctionnement de l’Etat en général.

Les étudiants de saint Eugène de Mazenod ont été ensuite emmenés dans une visite guidée du gigantesque Palais du peuple, siège des deux chambres du Parlement, l’Assemblée nationale et le Sénat. « Nous parlons trop facilement des choses que nous ignorons parfois ». Ainsi ont réagi quelques-uns, reconnaissant l’ignorance et promettant de toujours s’informer sur les institutions politiques et sur leur fonctionnement.

P. Jean-Baptiste MALENGE Kalunzu, OMI,                      Kinshasa, pour Radio Vaitcan

Mutter Marie Therese of Germany and Communio in Christo

Recently, the German-based “Communio in Christo” community held an international conference for various priests, religious women and seminarians at the Sant'Anselmo Benedictine University in Rome. The theme of the conference was, “Consecrated life and mystical life according to Pope Francis and Mother Marie Therese.” It was also part of Communio in Christo’s ongoing contact and outreach programme.

Several seminarians, priests and religious women, especially from Asia and Africa, attended the conference. An official of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of New Evangelisation, Fr. Geno Sylva gave the keynote address on, “Consecrated life and New Evangelisation.”

In order to learn more about Mother Marie Therese and Communio in Christo, Vatican Radio’s Fr. Paul Samasumo, spoke to Sr. Lidwina, a key member of the order.

Mutter Marie Therese

We asked Sr. Lidwina, who or what is Communio in Christo?

According to Sr. Lidwina, “Communio in Christo” regards itself as the religious order of the Second Vatican Council. It points out a path for all in a loving communal life “for-one-another” and “with-one-another” of priests, sisters, religious and laity. It was founded on 8 December 1984 by Mother Marie Therese who was born, Josephina Theresia Linssen in Oud-Valkenburg, The Netherlands. Mutter Marie Therese, as she is popularly known, was born on 21 March 1927 and died on 11 April 1994 in Mechernich, Germany. 

The Mother house of Communio in Christo is in Mechernich, a town in the south of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located 55 km from Cologne.

Love of neighbour, living in God

The motto of the order is: “Caritas est vivere in Deo – love of neighbour means living in God.” The aim of Communio in Christo is the striving for the unity of the Church through the implementation of the Second Vatican Council’s resolutions. It is grounded in the fundamental idea of the Second Vatican Council with its spirituality of the practically-lived unity of love of God and love of neighbour in the People of God, being on the march through history in the imitation of Jesus Christ and in accordance with His word and example.

Social Institutions

This message is meant not only to be reflected on but moreover to be concretely lived every day anew. Therefore, Mother Marie Therese also founded a number of social institutions among other things for the care of aged and dying persons and those in need of extensive nursing care:

The residents of the long-term nursing facility are patients suffering from serious diseases – some of them infectious or neurological – such as MRSA, AIDS, ALS, MS, Chorea-Huntington, as well as apoplectic or handicapped persons or patients suffering from skull/brain trauma, all of them in need of the most extensive nursing care and some of them requiring artificial respiration.

At Hospice “Stella Maris” dying patients are accompanied and cared for; at “House Effata” the aged and persons in need of nursing care are lovingly looked after. Mother Marie Therese regarded these services realistically: “We are aware of the fact that we cannot help wherever there is need and hardship. But we can point the way,” She said. This pointing the way in the German language is ‘Zeichen setzen.’

Working within existing Church structures

In accordance with the intention of the foundress, Mother Marie Therese – led by the Spirit of God – “Communio in Christo” regards it as its mission to do its utmost for the worldwide implementation of the Second Vatican Council’s decrees through the practically-lived love, i.e. within the existing structures of the Church and in collaboration with the local bishops, priests, religious and laity.

Worldwide contact and outreach

There are intensive contacts with Communio in Christo friends in Poland, Belo-Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Austria, Italy, England, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Nigeria, Canada, India, and Papua-New Guinea. This exchange is supported through the regularly published Circular Letters in German, English, and Polish as well as mutual visits and a lively correspondence.

(Source: Sr. Lidwina, Germany: Email: info@communio-in-christo.de)

e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va

NAMIBIA: Radio Ecclesia to re-open after review

Archbishop Liborius Nashenda of Windhoek has told Radio Vatican’s English Service for Africa staffer, John Baptist Tumusiime, that Namibia’s only Catholic radio station, Radio Ecclesia, closed down by the Church, could reopen after the Bishops’ Conference finalises review of issues that led to its shut down. The Church still has the frequency.

“It has not died completely, we still intend to revive it. Presently, we have a priest who is studying social communications here in Rome with the view of trying to revive Radio Ecclesia Namibia,” Archbishop Nashenda said, as he tried to be cautious and optimistic at the same time.  The Archbishop was speaking on the sidelines of an ad limina visit to the Holy See by the Bishops of Namibia and Lesotho at the weekend.

Radio Ecclesia Namibia was granted a community radio broadcast licence in 1999 by the Namibian Government. Unfortunately, it found itself located in an area where it faced enormous challenges with regard to coverage for its intended listeners.  The acquisition of a huge antenna to reach the entire capital city of Windhoek and beyond did not improve matters.

“We tried our best but for technical and for financial reasons we could not continue. We discovered that the coverage in Windhoek itself was not good.  We felt we could not have the station broadcasting only to a very small part of the city when our original vision was for a station that was to have national coverage,” Archbishop Nashenda said.

The Archbishop said that the Bishops’ Conference is keen to have a radio station that the Church in Namibia would use as an agent for evangelization.  “We are trying to find resources –both financial and technical to get a nationwide Catholic radio station going. We want the radio to bring the faith to the people and for it to be a means of making the Catholic Church present among the people of Namibia,” he said.

Catholics in Namibia account for 22% of a national population of only 2.2 million inhabitants. The Evangelical Lutheran Church is the largest Church with 48% of the population professing membership.

In contrast to the national population, the geographical coverage of the country is 825,615 square km. Namibia is said to be the world's thirty-fourth largest country, after Venezuela.  The presence of the arid Namib desert, however, makes it one of the least densely populated countries in the world.

Fr. Paul SAMASUMU,                                 Vatican Radio/English-Africa

e-mail: engafrica@vatiradio.va

CABO VERDE: “África e Desenvolvimento Sustentável” - UNIAPAC em Cabo Verde

Teve lugar sábado 25 deste mês na Cidade Velha, Ilha de Santiago, Cabo Verde,  uma conferência intitulada “África e Desenvolvimento Sustentável”, promovida pela União Internacional Cristã de Dirigentes de Empresas, reunindo bispos e arcebispos e representantes associativos de vários países. Os conferencistas debruçaram-se sobre temas temáticas relacionadas com os problemas que mais afectam a África, designadamente a gestão política, económica e questões culturais, religiosas e éticas – disse  o presidente da União, Zeferino Estêvão. A conferência foi  antecedida pela reunião do Conselho Central da UNIAPAC-Internacional, no dia 24 à tarde.

Na realização do evento, que contou com a participação de representantes de 12 países da África, Europa e da América Latina, a UNIAPAC-ÁFRICA teve a parceria da Associação de Gestores, Empresários e Profissionais Católicos de Cabo Verde, recentemente criada. Para a presidente, Miluci Santos este evento era uma ocasião para dar mais visibilidade à recém-criada associação cabo-verdiana. Os trabalhos tiveram como palco a Cidade Velha, Património da Humanidade”, e contou com a presença do Primeiro-ministro, José Maria Neves, na sessão de abertura.

UNIAPAC-ÁFRICA integra 14 associações nacionais de diversos países e assenta sua acção em  quatro eixos, nomeadamente, “a consolidação e a afirmação da organização no continente”, “expansão para os demais países da África”, “creditação e reconhecimento junto das organizações continentais” e “trabalhar junto dos ex-presidentes e figuras que se destacaram a nível de África”.

Dulce ARAÚJO,        Rádio Vaticano/Programa Português (com Rádio Nova - Emissora Católica de Cabo Verde)

MOÇAMBIQUE: Reclusos criam caos na BO da Machava

A Penitenciária de Máxima Segurança da Machava, vulgo BO, localizada na Matola, província de Maputo, tem vivido ultimamente momentos de caos que se circunscrevem em actos de vandalismo e violência perpetrados por reclusos tidos como perigosos e de difícil correcção internados naquele estabelecimento penitenciário.

Segundo uma nota oficiosa do Ministério da Justiça, Assuntos Constitucionais e Religiosos a que tivemos acesso, alguns dos reclusos ali internados têm destruído algumas infra-estruturas, incendiando ou vandalizando bens patrimoniais de acolhimento dos próprios reclusos e de segurança daquele estabelecimento penitenciário.

Os actos de vandalismo têm-se traduzido em motins que prontamente são controlados pelas forças operativas do Serviço Nacional Penitenciário (SERNAP) e em coordenação com outras Forças de Defesa e Segurança. Recentemente ocorreu um motim que culminou com a introdução de um engenho explosivo de fabrico caseiro que rompeu parte do murro de vedação daquela unidade penitenciária.

Os reclusos exigem que a direcção daquele estabelecimento penitenciário admita a entrada de géneros alimentícios para cada um confeccionar a sua refeição nas celas, ao invés da dieta que nos termos regulamentados tem sido admitida de familiares, mas já confeccionada. Igualmente, os reclusos exigem que a direcção do estabelecimento lhes conceda mecanismos para a Liberdade Condicional e lhes transfira para o Estabelecimento de Regime Comum, não obstante o comportamento inadmissível para se beneficiarem de Liberdade Condicional.

Entretanto, o Serviço Nacional Penitenciário (SERNAP) reafirma que tudo está sendo feito para que a segurança da sociedade seja garantida mediante reclusão e reabilitação dos delinquentes, incluindo os perigosos e de difícil correcção e está monitorando a situação, estando progressivamente a subir o número dos que abandonam está prática contrária à lei e regulamentos que regem o sistema penitenciário.

O Ministro da Justiça, Assuntos Constitucionais e Religiosos, Abdurremane Lino de Almeida, visitou semana finda, a Penitenciária de Maputo, ex-Cadeia Central da Machava, na Matola. Naquele estabelecimento reclusório Abdurremane de Almeida foi confrontado com uma realidade que se traduz na superlotação das celas, existência de indivíduos cujo prazo de prisão preventiva já venceu e casos de detenções ilegais.

Com uma capacidade instalada para albergar cerca de 850 reclusos, aquela unidade penitenciária tem actualmente cerca de 2384 indivíduos, dos quais 1038 estão em prisão preventiva, o correspondente a 43 por cento, enquanto 1356 são condenados em cumprimento de pena.

Entretanto, o ministro mostrou-se visivelmente preocupado com a existência em processos de querela de maior número de detidos do que condenados, um fenómeno que segundo Abdurremane devia ser o contrário, para além de aquela penitenciária ter neste momento uma população reclusória que triplica a sua capacidade. Aquele governante disse ainda haver necessidade de se pôr em prática a norma recentemente aprovada pela Assembleia da República atinente as penas alternativas à prisão. 

Hermínio JOSÉ,                     Maputo – Rádio Vaticano

Pain hebdomadaire du catholique. Quatrième dimanche de Pâques Année B. Dimanche 26 avril 2015. Par Théodore C. LOKO*

I. Traits définitoires du laïcat

Les laïcs constituent l’ensemble des chrétiens qui ne sont pas membres de l’ordre sacré et de l’ordre religieux (Lumen Gentium n° 31) et qui, de par leur baptême, sont incorporés au Christ et intégrés au peuple de Dieu, d’où leur participation, à leur manière, à la fonction sacerdotale, prophétique et royale du Christ.

II. Textes du jour : Actes 4,8-12 ; Psaume : 117,1.4.8-9.22-23.28-29 ; l  Jean 3, 1-2 ; Jean 10, 11-18

III. Commentaire

Dimanche dernier, Jésus ouvrait l’intelligence des disciples à la compréhension des Écritures. Nous en voyons aujourd’hui les fruits puisque Pierre interprète le Ps 117 à la lumière de l’expérience chrétienne : la pierre devenue pierre d’angle, c’est Jésus et les bâtisseurs qui l’ont méprisée, ce sont ceux-là mêmes qui l’interrogent, les membres du grand conseil du judaïsme. « L’amour vrai ne se démontre pas. Il se montre ». C’est ce message que nous trouvons tout au long des lectures bibliques de ce dimanche.

Tout au long de ce temps de Pâques, nous célébrons le Christ ressuscité, vainqueur de la mort et du péché. La haine et la violence des hommes n’ont pas eu de prise sur lui. C’est l’amour qui a triomphé. Aujourd’hui, nous entendons des témoignages qui nous parlent de lui. Pour les apôtres, Jésus était mort. Il n’y avait plus d’espérance possible. Mais voilà qu’au premier jour de la semaine, il les rejoint. Pour eux, c’est le commencement d’une grande aventure.

Dans le livre des Actes des Apôtres (1ère lecture), Saint Luc nous donne leur témoignage. Aujourd’hui, c’est Pierre qui vient de guérir un infirme de naissance. Il s’adresse à la foule stupéfaite de ce qui vient de se passer. Il explique à tous que ce n’est pas par ses propres forces qu’il a pu opérer cette guérison. C’est Jésus mort et ressuscité qui en est le principal acteur. Pour comprendre ce miracle, il faut passer par l’annonce de la résurrection et la foi en Jésus Christ. Ce témoignage a été transmis de génération en génération. Il nous appartient de transmettre ce flambeau, pas seulement aux croyants mais aussi à tous ceux et celles qui croient organiser leur vie sans Dieu. Jésus veut que la bonne nouvelle soit annoncée à tous.

La lettre de saint Jean (2ème lecture) va dans le même sens. La résurrection et l’exaltation de Jésus sont une richesse extraordinaire pour les croyants. Saint Jean nous exhorte à ne pas pécher. Ce péché qu’il dénonce, c’est quand nous vivons en dehors de l’amour de Dieu. Mais avec Jésus, il n’y a pas de situation désespérée. Il est notre « avocat », notre « défenseur ». En lui, le monde est réconcilié. Il devient proche de Dieu. Voilà une bonne nouvelle de la plus haute importance. Il nous faut tout faire pour qu’elle soit proclamée partout dans le monde. Le Christ ressuscité n’a jamais cessé de vouloir ramener tous les hommes à Dieu.

L’Évangile nous rapporte comment les disciples d’Emmaüs ont reconnu le Christ ressuscité à la fraction du pain. Les représentations de Jésus bon berger sont parmi les plus anciennes de l’iconographie chrétienne. On le voit portant une brebis sur ses épaules, signe de la protection et des soins qu’il apporte à chacune. On le trouve aussi guidant le troupeau qu’il rassemble à ses côtés. Nos aînés ont bien compris tous les enjeux de cette figure. Car, en s’identifiant à la véritable figure pastorale, c’est sa divinité que Jésus dévoile. En effet, Jésus s’approprie ainsi une identité que le peuple d’Israël associait depuis longtemps à Dieu (Ézéchiel 34 ; Ps 23 ; 80) et à un pasteur qu’il devait  mettre à leur tête (Éz 34,23). Jésus insiste sur quelques traits caractéristiques du vrai berger. D’abord la relation de mutuelle connaissance entre pasteur et brebis, à l’identique de celle qui unit le Père au Fils. Établies dans cette intimité, les brebis ne suivront personnes d’autres. Puis le soin à conduire également les brebis qui ne sont pas de l’enclos. Il ne s’agit pas de les y faire entrer mais de les guider vers le Père où il n’y aura qu’un seul troupeau. Mais, ce qui est propre à Jésus, c’est le don qu’il fait librement de sa vie, pour arracher le troupeau au danger. De quoi inspirer tous ceux et celles qui reçoivent une part de la mission pastorale du Christ.

*Ambassadeur du Bénin près le Saint-Siège

La revue de la presse catholique africaine. Par Albert Mianzoukouta*

La revue de la presse catholique africaine de ce jour nous conduit d’abord au Niger, pays éprouvé par des violences antichrétiennes au début de l’année, et où la petite communauté catholique vit sa vie dans un héroïsme salué par tous. Mais cette fois, DIOCESE DE MARADI-NIGER, ne parle pas de la vie de l’Eglise, mais de la vie de la nation toujours, hélas, dans un contexte de violences : « Un violent affrontement a opposé le samedi 25 avril 2015 des militaires nigériens et des combattants de la secte islamique Boko Haram sur l’Ile de Karanga dans le Lac Tchad, à l’Est du Niger. Le bilan (…) fait état de 46 militaires nigériens morts au combat contre 156 éléments de Boko Haram (…). Le ministre nigérien de l’Intérieur, de la Sécurité Publique, de la Décentralisation, des Affaires Coutumières et Religieuses assurant l’intérim du ministre de la défense a également annoncé que 9 soldats nigériens ont été blessés et 32 autres portés disparus ».  Bilan lourd, atmosphère pesante : le Niger continue de pleurer ses fils et ses filles, croyants ou militaires, tués par des gens qui se réclament de la religion !

Après la violence : l’environnement. L’Eglise est profondément engagée dans ce combat-là. ARCHI-KANANGA, le portail de l’Archidiocèse de Kananga, en République démocratique du Congo, nous renseigne sur une préoccupation : comment canaliser les eaux de ruissèlement. « Les mois de mars et d’avril caractérisés par de fortes pluies, (cela) appelle l’implication de tous pour l’acquisition des sacs vides à placer à des endroits affectés pour ralentir la vitesse des eaux dans le cadre de la campagne d’assainissement du milieu (…) en attendant la saison sèche pour procéder aux travaux en maçonnerie là où cela est nécessaire avec la participation de tous et de chacun », indique le portail qui reprend le propos d’un responsable local.

Même engagement écologique au Sénégal. Le portail de l’Archidiocèse de Dakar, SENEGLISE, nous indique que « les Scouts du Sénégal ont planté plus de 100 arbres dans les écoles de Thiaroye et de Pikine, à l’occasion de la journée de la terre et dans le cadre du projet « Des arbres pour la Terre », le dimanche 26 avril 2015. (…) Ils ont également annoncé le projet de planter de 60.000 arbres à Tobor, dans la région de Ziguinchor, au Sud du Sénégal. Ce projet qui démarrera en septembre prochain est la deuxième phase du reboisement antérieur de 56.000 plants, en partenariat avec le ministère de la jeunesse », écrit Jean Antoine Bruno Salla.

Tous ces engagements de l’Eglise visent au développement durable pour le bien-être des fils et filles de tous les pays où elle œuvre. Tout cela pour … leur bonheur. Le bonheur, au fait, qu’est-ce ? Réponse à trouver dans LA CROIX DE MADAGASCAR qui affirme que « le troisième rapport mondial sur le bonheur. Sur les 158 pays sondés par cette étude la Suisse arrive en tête avec 7.587 points. Madagasikara (Madagascar) se trouve à la 147ème place avec 3.681 points. Sur les 45 pays africains sondés Madagasikara se trouve dans le dernier tiers. (Le) Togo ferme le ban avec 2.839 points ».

Terminons par le Rwanda où EGLISE CATHOLIQUE RWANDA écrit : « Dans le cadre de la préparation de la Semaine de l'Education Catholique session 2015, dont les activités proprement dites sont prévues dans la période du 6 au 20 Juin 2015 et qui sera célébrée au niveau national dans le Diocèse de Byumba le 20 Juin 2015 », le Secrétariat national de l'Enseignement catholique a initié une neuvaine de prière en langue kinyarwanda.

*Journaliste à Radio Vatican/Français-Afrique

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