Communion and Relationships Important says the Cardinal

(October 10, 2009) This affectionate and effective communion of the particular Churches with the universal Church finds in the work of the Papal Nuncios an irreplaceable and particularly important junction in the reality of the continent of Africa, said the Vatican Official. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of Vatican State was speaking at the Synod of Bishops currently underway in Rome. Their primary aim is “to make more firm and effective the bonds of unity which exist between the Holy See and the particular Churches.” He further added that “The Pontifical Representatives provide a voice for the Holy Father in defence of people’s dignity and fundamental human rights, just as, with the Episcopates, they work in defence of religious freedom and the promotion of authentic dialogue. Rev. F. Edouard Tsimba Superior General of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary said that in Africa men and women, faithful to the Gospel, commit themselves to the point of martyrdom at times, for a more just and united world. Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, speaking on Social Communications said that the initiative should be to promote formation at all levels. The challenge for Africa will not be resolved only with ever more sophisticated technological tools, but, above all, with people properly trained in the communications sector. Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino asked the participants to pay attention to the different socio-cultural realities in their countries, without waiting for somebody else to do that for them or in their stead, because it concerns the responsibility of the local Churches of the continent. It is for the Africans to be the salt of the earth and the light for the world on this beautiful continent, so different and so rich.