"The world can be a better place for all of us, if we can, individually, overcome personal interests, so that we can focus on serving the common good. Only then can those living in war zones, who continue to suffer and endure deprivation, (will) once again begin to hope for life marked by dignity and safety." These are the words of the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on Saturday, August 16, in continuation of his five days state visit to Burundi, East-central Africa.
Cardinal Parolin is in Burundi to celebrate the Holy Mass of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, which coincided with the elevation of the Parish of Saint Anthony of Padua —located within the territory of the national Marian shrine of Mugera, part of the Archdiocese of Gitega—to the status of Minor Basilica, as well as to inaugurate a monument at the site where Papal's Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor Courtney, was assassinated in December 2003.
Burundian kids welcome Cardinal Parolin
The Secretary of State was greeted by thousands of Burundians, including the President, Évariste Ndayishimiye, who heartily welcome him to the country.
Cardinal Parolin later presided over a Mass joined by the bishops of the country, the Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi and his diplomatic collaborator, hundreds of priests, religious men and women, and thousands of faithful.
In his homily, the Secretary of State recounted how the assassinated Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi, Archbishop Michael Aidan Courtney, had walked alongside the people of Burundi during challenging years, working tirelessly for reconciliation and peace. "Archbishop Courtney dedicated himself to communicating a vision of achievable peace and being close to everyone—no matter the danger or threat to his life", he said.
Archbishop Courtney was an Irish priest and Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi, who was tragically killed in an ambush on his way home, on December 29, 2003.
Few days after his murder, Pope John Paul II proclaimed these words in remembrance of the archbishop: "Archbishop Michael Aidan Courtney, my representative as Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi, was also a witness to this 'Gospel of peace.' He was tragically killed just a few days ago while carrying out his mission of dialogue and reconciliation. Let us pray for him, hoping that his example and his sacrifice may bear fruits of peace in Burundi and throughout the world." (Homily of the Holy Father, January 1, 2004, no. 3).
A monument in his honour, marking the place he was assassinated, was blessed by the Secretary of State, who renewed his appeal to the world for the respect of the human dignity, and imploring the unceasing intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, to grant peace in human hearts and to enlighten the minds of leaders to select paths of peace to end violence in the world.
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