Pope entrusts Rwandan reconciliation to Our Lady of Kibeho

Last updated on: April 3, 2014 at 8:20 pm by CNA Daily News

Pope entrusts Rwandan reconciliation to Our Lady of Kibeho 2014-04-03T20:20:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Vatican City, Apr 3, 2014 / 02:20 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Meeting with the Rwandan bishops for their ad limina visit Thursday, Pope Francis urged them to be be agents of reconciliation, commending them to the Marian apparition at Kibeho, in the country's south.

“Rwanda will in a few days commemorate the 20th anniversary of the horrible genocide which has brought such suffering and wounds, which are still far from healed,” the Pope said April 3 at the Vatican.

“I join with all my heart in mourning, and I assure you of my prayers for yourselves, for your often torn communities, for all victims and their families, for all Rwandans, without distinction of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.”

April 7, 1994 was the first of 100 days during which Hutus in Rwanda massacred their Tutsi neighbors. Up to 1 million Rwandans were killed, most of them Tutsi.

“I commend you all to the maternal protection of the Virgin Mary,” Pope Francis told the nation's bishops. “I sincerely hope that the Shrine of Kibeho might radiate even more the love of Mary for her children, especially the poorest and most injured, and be for the Church in Rwanda, and beyond, a call to turn with confidence to Our Lady of Sorrows, who accompanies each of us on our way that we might receive the gift of reconciliation and peace.”

He noted that reconciliation and healing “certainly remain the priority of the Church in Rwanda. I encourage you to persevere in this endeavor, for which you have already taken a number of initiatives.”

“Forgiveness of sins and genuine reconciliation, which may seem impossible to human sight after such suffering, are however a gift of Christ that it is possible to receive, though a life of faith and prayer, even if the road is long and requires patience, dialogue, and mutual respect.”

Because of this, the Bishop of Rome said, the Church “has an importance place” in the rebuilding of Rwandan society, with hope “bearing witness to the truth.”

He noted the catholicity of the Church, saying it can “overcome prejudice and ethnic divisions” when it “speaks with a sole voice.”

Pope Francis noted the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and the Holy See, highlighting the importance of building up the common good around the values of human dignity, justice, and peace.

“Do not be afraid to highlight the irreplaceable contribution of the Church to the common good,” he told them. “I know that the work done, in particular with regards to education and health, is considerable.”

“The education of youth is the key to the future in a country where the population is renewed quickly,” Pope Francis reflected. “It is therefore the duty of the Church to form children and young people in Gospel values, which they shall find especially in a particular familiarity with the Word of God, which will be for them like a compass indicating the route to follow.”

He added that it is thus important that Catholic schools combine their “educational mission and the explicit announcement of the Gospel,” saying “these should never be separated.”

The Pope encouraged good formation for the laity, saying they play a crucial role in evangelization and reconstruction, and for families, saying children must learn there “the authentic Christian values of integrity, fidelity, honesty and self-giving, which permit one to know true happiness, after the heart of God.”

He told the bishops to care particularly for their priests, and for the formation of their seminarians.

“Dear Brothers, I assure you again of my affection for you, for your diocesan communities, for all of Rwanda,” Pope Francis concluded.

Entrusting them to Mary, he reminded them that she “appeared in your country to children, reminding them of the efficacy of fasting and of prayer, in particular the recitation of the Rosary.”

Vatican

Previous Post

April 3, 2014

Jerusalem Patriarch condemns monastery vandalism

Next Post

April 3, 2014 La. House passes abortion clinic regulations to protect women

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

True or False: The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.

Select your answer to see how you score.

TRUE FALSE