Holy Father,

Gathered in Mukono, in Lugazi Diocese, from 5th to 9th August 2006, the representatives of Catholic Action from Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Rumania, Italy  as well as many dioceses from Uganda together, with their Bishops, express their deep and  filial gratitude for the message received on the occasion of the III IFCA African Continental Meeting.

Your words, Holiness, are encouraging for us for the future of CA in Africa. They are a demanding invitation to live as a whole our vocation as lay people both in Africa and in the world in order to assume our responsibilities in the Church “family of God” as well as in the society in our countries, to contribute to the preparation of the II Special Assembly of the Synod of the Bishops for Africa.

We have deepened the theme of the future of Christianity in  Africa enlightened by the word of God which will be the theme of the next Synodal Assembly “You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world”. We have examined the text of theLineamenta which stresses the importance of the vocation of laity and their formation – starting from inside the family – for a coherent and brave witness of faith, at the service of  reconciliation, justice and peace in our countries and in all the continent.

We assure You our commitment at the school of Aquila and Prisca and of so many lay people who in the history of the Church as well as today cooperate closely with the apostles and their successors and are witnesses of God’s charity till the gift of their life.

The example of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions lay martyrs is extremely revelant for the laity of CA in Africa and in the world.

Together with the Nuncio, the Bishops and the people of God, we have prayed for Your Holiness and for all the Church during the Eucharistic Celebration at Namugongo Sanctuary.

We express our affection and faithfulness, we implore Your blessing upon our CA associations, upon our families and upon the whole African continent.