ACEAC
Association des Conférences Épiscopales de l’Afrique Centrale
AV. Virunga 59 ; B.P. 3258 – Gombe/Kinshasa – RD Congo
E-mail : aceac.secretariat@gmail.com ;
Tél : + 243 82 354 71 08, + 243 97 740 73 76

1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT – DECEMBER 3, 2023

Day of Prayer for Peace in the World, particularly in the Great Lakes Region
1. Advent is the time in which we prepare to welcome the Son of God, presented by the Prophet Isaiah as the “Wonderful Counselor ... and Prince of Peace” (Is 9, 5).

2. In their tireless efforts to contribute to peace-building, the Bishops of the dioceses of our three countries (Burundi, DR Congo, and Rwanda) dedicated the 1st Sunday of Advent to prayer and reflection on forgiveness, reconciliation, and peace during their Extraordinary Plenary Assembly held from May 15 to 18, 2002. The proximity of the 1st Sunday of Advent to the anniversary of the creation of ACEAC on December 3, 1984, is not a mere coincidence but a manifestation of divine will that still speaks to us in a special way 39 years later, day by day : December 3, 1984 – December 3, 2023.

3. Recently, in their continued commitment to peace, the Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops, through the Permanent Committee of ACEAC, held a consultation on alternative paths to peace in the Great Lakes region in Rome from October 16 to 18, 2023. Framed as a pilgrimage in the Holy City, this consultation took place alongside the Synod on Synodality, bringing together delegates from the Universal Church under the theme "Enlarge the space of your tent" (Isaiah 54:2). Driven by pastoral concern, the Bishops expressed their deep conviction during this consultation to see the peoples of Burundi, DR Congo, and Rwanda live together safely, collaborating with each other and with the authorities to end conflicts between States and Communities. They also stand in solidarity with other peoples of the world currently experiencing similar distress, especially in the Middle East and the eastern part of Europe.
4. Peacebuilding is a collective effort that concerns us all. On this 1st Sunday of Advent, we pray for :
• A greater awareness of the need for peace in the world and particularly in our Great Lakes sub-region ;
• More effective engagement of the Church in the search for peace ;
• The consolidation of social cohesion and the strengthening of justice and reconciliation in truth ;
• Guiding the people to escape poverty and destitution.
• Education of the people in the peace of hearts and brotherly love ;
• Witnessing Christian faith in a region in crisis.
5. Peacebuilding is an ongoing mission. We will gather in Goma around the Bishops of ACEAC, who will be delegated by the Permanent Committee, on Sunday, January 28, 2024, for a solemn mass that will conclude, at the regional level, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, usually celebrated from January 18 to 25. In the same perspective, the Bishops will meet again in March 2024 to continue reflecting on the challenges and issues of pastoral peace in the context of the "Peace in the Great Lakes" campaign.
6. On behalf of our two Cardinals and my fellow Bishops of ACEAC, I wish you a good preparation to welcome, in our lives and hearts, the Nativity of the Prince of Peace.
May the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Africa, Queen of Peace, support our efforts and intercede for Africa and the peoples of the Great Lakes !
Kinshasa, December 3, 2023.
On the Anniversary of the Creation of ACEAC

+José MOKO, President of ACEAC

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