The 266th assembly of the Swiss episcopate was held at Viège from 29 November to 1st December. The Swiss bishops, during their assembly, welcomed the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Confederation, Msgr. Francesco Canalini. Various points were on the order of the day. In particular the bishops emphasized the importance for the Swiss Church of the Year of the Eucharist (October 2004-October 2005), called by the Pope. “The aim said the bishops is to rediscover the great significance of the Sunday Eucharist. It is in the fullness of the body of Christ that we shall be able to celebrate the full unity of the Churches. This occasion will also serve to revive our prayer for vocations at the beginning of the year, 2005, dedicated to them”. A report on Catholic Youth Day (Berne, 5-6 June 2004) was presented in the course of the assembly. The event, it was reported, had left a deficit of 688,000 francs, which will have to be covered by offerings and donations. The assembly also chose Bishop Amedée Grab, president of the Swiss bishops and of the CCEE, the Council of the European Episcopal Conferences, as the Swiss representative for the signing of the Ecumenical Charter, which will take place at St. Ursanne (Ju) on 23 January 2005. The programme of work of the Justice and Peace Commission for the year 2005 was also approved.
