Intervention of Rev. F. Umberto BARATO, Patriarchal Vicar Emeritus of Jerusalem of the Latins for Cyprus (CYPRUS)

Last June, Cyprus experienced intense, memorable days when His Holiness, Benedict XVI visited the island. We pray for the spiritually beneficial effect of the Visit to continue.
Cyprus falls under the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. There are four parishes: three administered by the Franciscans of the Holy Land, one by a priest of the Patriarchate.
The number of Latin Catholics is small. The four parishes, together with four congregations religious of women work above all for migrants and also for tourists.
Immigrants constitute an added wealth for the Church of Cyprus. The pastoral care toward them is particular and delicate. They only stay for a few years and are generally only free on Sundays. However pastoral care must be practiced as though they were remaining permanently within the parish. Catechesis is fundamental, above all for preparation for the sacraments. The ecclesial groups (Legion of Mary, charismatics, Neocatechumenal Way, Secular Franciscan Order, national groups for prayer, etc.) may be of great help in contact with the faithful, their knowledge and for collaboration in parish activities.
Pastoral action should be inspired by charity and indiscriminate acceptance, following the example of Jesus.

[00071-02.03] [IN048] [Original text: Italian]