Epiphany of solidarity with the Churches of Africa: the initiative is that of the French Church which has decided to send the offerings collected during Masses on Sunday 7 January to the African Churches. The initiative is reported, in a communiqué, by the French Bishops’ Conference, citing the words of the national director of the Pontifical Collection of Epiphany for Africa, Father Jean-Marie Aubert: “The African Churches await the solidarity of the churches of the other continents. Their self-financing is not yet a reality, despite all the efforts made. They still rely on us for the life of their dioceses and the realization of pastoral projects. Catechists have a need for proper formation. They are in close contact with the Christian communities in the villages and perform a real mission. Youth movements have a need for educators and animators. Villages far from the centre of parishes hope to be able to celebrate in decent places of worship; hence the need for small village chapels. That’s why we have invited Christians on the feast of the Epiphany to express their support for evangelization in Africa with a gesture of solidarity. The gifts collected on this occasion are being sent to the African dioceses for the life of the local Churches”.
