Concerned about the situation of violence in the Province of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, the Consolata Missionaries working in Africa, represented by the Continental Council gathered online on the 15th December 2020, wrote a Message of Solidarity to the Bishop of the Diocese of Pemba, the Rev. Mons. Luiz Fernando Lisboa, in communion and in support to the work of the Church on behalf of the victims of terrorist attacks.
The war that began in 2017 has already caused more than 2.000 deaths and some 600.000 displaced people. The local Church, in the person of the Bishop, has been an active voice for peace and for calling the international community's attention to the grave situation on the region.
The Message was handled personally to Mons. Luiz Fernando in Rome this Sunday, 20th December, by the General Councilor for Africa, Fr. Godfrey Msumange, IMC, during a Mass celebrated by the Bishop at Santa Maria ai Monti Parish, with a group of Mozambicans, Brazilians, and some other friends in Rome.
“We join the church in Pemba and indeed you in particular to strongly condemn these attacks and appeal for a quick restitution of law and order”, says the Message.
“We acknowledge the peaceful engagement and initiatives you are undertaking already, and we encourage you on the same path. It is our strong belief that the government of Mozambique in collaboration with the African Union and the international communities will intervene decisively and find a lasting solution to the causes of the conflict in order to attain peace and stability in Cabo Delgado Province”, concludes the statement.
Homily of Msgr. Luiz Fernando (POR)
Choir of Mozambican Catholics in Italy
Noticia em Português: Dar a vida pela Missão em Moçambique: Bispo de Pemba celebra missa em Roma
