The people of Africa must pray for the synod and for us

The Archbishop of Cape Town and President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC), Stephen Brislin has said that he feels privileged to be part of a group of African Bishops at the synod that are bringing the voice of Africa to the synod.

“I feel so privileged to be part of this synod and to be a representative from Africa.” He added, “We have come here to bring the voice of Africa into the synod hall and we will make sure that the voice is heard,” the Archbishop said.

“The family is absolutely important for society and for Church and we are here to find ways of strengthening and protecting families and family life. I would like to ask the people of Africa who support us in so many ways to pray for us. They should pray that this synod may truly bear fruit so that what will come out of it will be a combination of the strengthening of family life while also showing mercy to those who are in very difficult situations and circumstances. They need to know that they are loved by Jesus Christ and that he came for their salvation as well. Jesus brings healing into their lives and into their families,” the Cape Town prelate said.

Archbishop Brislin is particularly encouraged that during his opening remarks, Pope Francis urged the Bishops to be courageous and to face-up to the realities of the world.

The XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family is taking place at the Vatican from 4 to the 25 October 2015.

(Fr. Paul Samasumo)

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Listen to Archbishop Brislin here