Portugal: bishops’ plenary assemblyThe 174th Plenary Assembly of the Portuguese Bishops’ Conference was held in the Casa de Nossa Senhora das Dores at the Marian Sanctuary of Fatima from 12 to 15 April. In his opening address, the President, Archbishop Jorge Ortiga of Braga, took inspiration from Benedict XVI’s Encyclical “Caritas in Veritate”, declaring that the blind logic of uncurbed lucre and consumerism must be replaced by a joyful distribution of wealth so as to transform the economy into a means of support for poor people and those most in need”. Celebrating the Pope’s birthday with affection, less that a month before his pastoral journey to Portugal, the bishops expressed all their joy: “We are convinced that the ceremonies and meetings presided over by the Holy Father will be able to reinvigorate our faith, revive hope and re-inspire our pastoral commitment of justice and charity”. Referring to the question of the abuse of children committed by priests, the bishops reaffirmed their determination to exercise close vigilance: “In view of the gravity of the problem, both in terms of the administration of justice and the support we need to give to the victims, we will abide closely by the recent instructions issued by the Holy See, without forgetting the necessary reinforcement of prevention and collaboration with the competent civil authorities, in total respect for human rights”. A few months ago the Portuguese Bishops’ Conference began a study on the general state of the Portuguese Church, called “Reviewing the Pastoral Ministry Together”, which has finally led to the presentation of a working document: “It’s a synodal itinerary that will conclude at the end of 2011, and that is aimed at establishing links and defining synergies of collaboration between Church institutions, religious congregations and apostolic movements, both at the national and diocesan level” – says the final communiqué of the plenary assembly. The document also reports the approval of a Pastoral Letter, soon to be published, on the missionary dimension of the Church and of the Christian, which will have the title: “So that you also should do as I have done to you”. Cyprus: Maronite and Latin Catholics salute the Pope”A great opportunity to promote human and Christian principles and values based on freedom, forgiveness, peace and reconciliation”. This was stated in a joint notice by the Maronite and Latin Catholic Churches of Cyprus, about Benedict XVI’s visit to the island, from 4th to 6th June 2010. “The Pope – it states – will walk in Saint Paul’s footsteps, and in a spirit of brotherhood he will meet the Orthodox Church, the other denominations and all people of good will. Let’s get ready, then, spiritually and culturally, to welcome the Pope. His presence is a blessing for us”. The notice, as well as announcing the schedule of the journey, also contains the address of the new website of the Maronite archeparchy of Cyprus (www.maronitearcheparchy.org.cy), with a greeting by the Maronite archbishop, mgr. Youssef Soueif, the explanation of its contents, which give priority to information (organisation, activities, mission…) and educational aspects of the Church, which have to do with the announcement of the Gospel and the character of the Maronite Church.England: growing membership of ScoutsRenewal for growth: the Scouts have done just that. Membership of the very popular youth movement increased by 16,500 members last year, reaching almost half a million, the fifth consecutive year of growth and the largest increase in the last 38 years. Yet, between the mid-1970s and the turn of the millennium, the followers of Baden Powell seemed in irremediable decline, with a drop in UK membership from 600,000 to less than 440,000. “We had to improve the way in which we proposed our message”, explains Wayne Bulpitt, the new UK Chief Commissioner of The Scout Association, “So that’s why we have made our programme more adventurous”. The activities being offered today include so-called “zorbing”, rolling down a hill in gigantic plastic bags. And that’s why Bear Grylls, an expert in adventurous expeditions, whether it be crossing oceans in an open boat or scaling Everest, has been chosen as Chief Scout. The movement has also begun expanding in inner city centres, precisely the areas that are associated with the highest levels of crime and poverty in Great Britain. Groups have been founded in Tower Hamlets and Southwark, among the most socially challenging districts in London, by volunteers who wish to improve their communities. The growth in membership is especially due to adolescents. There are now over 65,000 adolescent Scouts, a growth of over 26% since 2001, but even among adults the movement is strong. Some 2800 adults enrolled in a programme for leaders, a growth of 3.1% over 2009. Some 33,500 youth are on the waiting list because there’s a shortage of volunteers.
