Sunday 4 October, 2009
Wilton D. Gregory,
Archbishop of Atlanta
The Second Synod for Africa began this morning with a Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica presided over by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI. There were about 250 Concelebrants including the Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Priests who will attend the Synod. The basilica was filled with pilgrims who knew about this special opening Mass for the Synod as well as many others who simply happened to be visiting for a Sunday Eucharist with the Holy Father. The Mass texts were from the Liturgy for the 27th Sunday of the Church Year [B]. And so we listened to the same Scriptures as did Catholics the world over. The Holy Father used the readings from this Sunday to highlight the importance of the Synod for Africa as well as to speak lovingly and convincingly on the importance of the holy bond between husband and wife. He did what every successful homilist is called to do – relate and apply the Word of God to the life situation of the flock of the Lord!
When I passed through the great Bronze Doors of the Apostolic Palace, I was greeted in the vesting area for the Bishops by several of my dear friends: The Archbishop of Accra, Ghana: Gabriel Charles Palmer Buckles, [who has family living in the Archdiocese of Atlanta and who happens to be a very good friend in Father Dan Stack]; The Archbishop of Cartagena, Columbia: Jorge Jiméanez Carvajal; The Archbishop of Abuja, Nigeria: John Baptist Onaiyekan; and the Archbishop-Emeritus of Kumasi, Ghana: Peter Sarpong. The Synod promises to provide me with opportunities to make new friendships and to strengthen that bond of cherished friendships from the past. The issues that face this continent are as vast as is the territory itself. Yet Africa is a land blessed by great resources, the primary one of course are the people themselves and their rich spiritual vitality. I am sure that I shall hear of the great challenges that still confront the African nations: poverty, the pandemic of HIV-Aids, political corruption, exploitation of the poor, and sometimes violent tribal divisions and animosities. Yet I also expect to learn of the hopes and aspirations of a truly magnificent and diverse community of people. I also anticipate being able to assure them of the respect and esteem of their brothers and sisters who are the Church in the USA as they face the difficulties that are theirs and seek to provide for the Church’s role as a Servant of Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace.