The 10th meeting of the representatives of Lusophone Bishops’ Conferences took place in Dili (East Timor) from 6 to September 10.
The theme of the conference was “The challenge of the sects, in the horizon of the new evangelization”.
It was reported that at the meeting it was agreed sects have a greater impact among Catholics whose faith is not based on a personal encounter with Christ and his ecclesial body, or resulting from true initiation to life in Christ.
The meeting also noted that the Year of Faith is the appropriate occasion to grow in faith, personally and communally, and in its testimony.
In sharing the challenges which the Church finds facing various Portuguese-speaking countries, the urgent need for Christians to engage in the promotion of a fair, free and united society, as an inalienable requirement of the faith, was highlighted.
The Bishops were received by the President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, in an atmosphere of great cordiality, and by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who spoke about the priorities of his government for the coming years.
An opportunity was provided to celebrate the Eucharist in various parishes in and around Dili. Particularly significant was the Eucharist concelebrated on Sunday, September 9 in the Cathedral of Dili, in thanksgiving for the 450th anniversary of the evangelization of Timor. The Mass was attended by the President, the Prime Minister, other members of the government, various authorities and countless faithful.
The meeting was attended by Bishops representing Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, East Timor, as well as Fr. Maia Joseph, President of Fundação Fe and Cooperação (FEC) and Fr. Morujão Manuel, Secretary of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference.
Source
- Fides
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