In a press release, the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) calls for greater cohesion and mobilisation to welcome Pope Francis, who will visit the DRC from 31 January to 03 February 2023.
Vatican News.
With preparations for Pope Francis’ visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo in overdrive, the country’s Bishops are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a smooth historic papal visit.
The Congolese Bishops appealed to the Catholic faithful, men and women of goodwill, to mobilise and ensure a thunderous visit for the Pastor of the Universal Church.
A moment of grace
“The meeting with the Pope is a moment of grace that requires good spiritual preparation.” Therefore, the prelates ask that all “parishes and religious communities recite the prayer prepared for this intention at the end of each Eucharistic celebration until the end of this visit,” they said.
CENCO further recommends “adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every first Thursday of the month and the recitation of the Rosary every Saturday.”
Gratitude to Congolese authorities
Papal logo for the DRC apostolic voyage.
In addition, the Bishops express gratitude to the country’s authorities for their involvement in the preparations. They thank all the faithful and people of goodwill for their financial and material contributions towards the upcoming apostolic voyage.
To cap it all, CENCO wishes that as part of the preparations, every Congolese person performs at least an act of mercy and make concrete steps towards reconciliation with God and neighbour.
