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“Don’t close your eyes to cries for help”: Diocesan Administrator in Guinea Bissau to Politicians at National Prayer Day

Fr. Lúcio Brentegani. Credit: Rádio Sol Mansi

The Diocesan Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Bafatá in Guinea Bissau has called on politicians and other government stakeholders in the tropical country on West Africa’s Atlantic coast to pay attention to the plight of the people, who he said are crying for help.  

In his homily during the Monday, November 4 National Day of Prayer and Fasting for peace and stability realized amid growing social and economic challenges in Guinea-Bissau, Fr. Lúcio Brentegani outlined the negative effects of the violence and called for the fostering of truth that he said sets people free. 

“On this day of fasting and prayer for Guinea-Bissau, let us also appeal to our leaders, politicians, military personnel, judges, and police officers: do not close your eyes to the cries for help coming from the poor in Guinea-Bissau,” Fr. Brentegani said during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at Our Lady of Grace Cathedral of Bafatá Diocese.

He emphasized, “Do not close your eyes to the pleas for assistance from many families who do not have enough to eat.”

The Diocesan Administrator of Bafatá Diocese described the socio-economic situation in Guinea Bissau as “difficult” and highlighted some of the negatively affected sectors. 

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“There are many students who want to attend school, but there are no schools for them, as the education system in Guinea-Bissau is highly complicated given the current situation,” Fr. Brentegani said.

Today’s Gospel, he went on to day, “invites us to open our hearts so that we may welcome and share with our poor brothers and sisters, those in hardship, the blind, who are searching for a dignified life.”

“The nation faces serious challenges, with difficulties in mutual understanding, in building good relationships, in managing public goods responsibly, and in ensuring education and healthcare for our children. This is why we must pray and fast,” the Bissau Guinean Diocesan Administrator said. 

He reiterated, “The situation is difficult. We must pray, fast, and remember the motto of our first Bishop, Bishop Settimio Ferrazzetta, on the occasion of the Centenary: The Truth Shall Set You Free.”

“The Truth has the power to liberate Guinea-Bissau, especially at a delicate moment like the current one,” Fr. Brentegani further said, adding that the praying and fasting is “not against anyone but in favor of Guinea-Bissau.”

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“In this moment, as we seek to contribute to the spiritual and social healing of our country, which is unwell, we must first listen to His Word, the Word of God, so that we do not follow the path of those who no longer believe in the Truth,” he said.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.