Catholic Bishops in Benin Call for “transparent, truly inclusive, peaceful elections”

“Every time our personal interests prevail over those of the people and of living together, we fray the national fabric that we are nevertheless striving to build; we prevent fingers from clogging the holed jar and we finally flout the motto of our beautiful country: Fraternity-Justice-Work,” the Catholic Bishops say.

In their October 19 collective statement issued at the end of their four-day meeting in Dassa-Zoumè Diocese, the Catholic Church leaders implore, “May the God of mercy keep the worst from us and continue to bless Benin.”

They say they are concerned about the “resurgence in cases of theft, robbery and acts of vandalism.”

“In addition to all these, there are alarming situations of insecurity which sometimes result in the loss of human life,” CEB members say, and call for “urgent measures to ensure the security of our peaceful citizens.”

They call for “frank collaboration of the population with the forces of law and order to ensure that peace and tranquility reign in our country, which is the guarantee of all development.”

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The Ordinary Session examined issues relating to Seminaries and houses of formation for future Priests.

In their October 19 collective statement, CEB members express their “deepest sympathy to the populations affected by the recent floods which caused significant damage in various parts of our country.”

They encourage the Government, Non-Governmental Organizations and people of good will “to multiply the necessary efforts to come to the aid of our affected brothers and sisters.”

CEB members further renew their invitation to the people of God, believers and people of good will “to fast and pray for our country.”

They encourage the continuation of the recitation of the "Prayer for our country, Benin" and the "Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel" at the end of each Holy Mass, in all the Parishes of Benin. 

“May the Almighty and Merciful Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of the Rosary, continue to shower His many graces and blessings on our country, Benin,” Catholic Bishops in Benin implore in their October 19 collective statement.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.