Presentation of the Instrumentum Laboris

Presentation of the Instrumentum Laboris

Pope Benedict XVI

Inspiring new missionary zeal in service to justice

The following is a translation of the Holy Father's final words, spoken in French, after the Mass inYaoundé on the occasion of the publication of the Instrumentum Laboris.

Dear Brother Bishops, Presidents of the National and Regional Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar,

Here in Yaoundé fourteen years ago, on 14 September 1995, my venerable Predecessor Pope John Paul II signed the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Africa. Today it is a great joy for me to present to you the text of the Instrumentum Laboris of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops, which will be held in Rome next October. The theme of this Assembly, "The Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace", which continues along the path marked out by Ecclesia in Africa, is of great importyance for the life of your continent, and for the life of the universal Church. The Instrumentum Laboris is the fruit of your reflections, drawing out important aspects of the ecclesial and social situation of your countries of origin.

It reflects the great dynamism of the Church in Africa, but also the challenges that must be faced, which the Synod will have to consider. This evening I shall have an opportunity to speak at greater length on this theme with the members of the Special Council For Africa of the Synod of Bishops. My heartfelt wish is that the work of the Synodal Assembly will contribute to an increased in hope for your peoples and for the entire continent; that it will help to inspire each of your local churches with new evangelical and missionary zeal in service to reconciliation, justice and peace, according to the programme given us by the Lord himself: "You are the salt of the earth... you are the light of the world" (Mt 5:13-14). May the joy of the Church in Africa at the celebration of this Synod be shared by the universal church!

And you, dear brothers and sisters, gathered here around your Bishops in a way that symbolizes the Church which is present among all the peoples of Africa, I invite you to keep the preparation and the unfolding of this great ecclesial event in your prayers. May the Queen of Peace sustain the efforts of all who work for reconciliation, justice and peace! Our Lady of Africa, pray for us!

Taken from:
L'Osservatore Romano
Weekly Edition in English
25 March 2009, page 10

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