“The diocese is attentive to the phenomenon of tourism and is called to provide tourists opportunities for human, spiritual, and cultural encounters” – D. Virgílio Antunes
Coimbra, September 17, 2024 (Ecclesia) – The bishop of Coimbra emphasizes that “the Church has the mission to accompany all people and to propose to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” with the appointment of the new Diocesan Commission for Tourism Pastoral Care, chosen for three years.
“The diocese is attentive to the phenomenon of tourism and is called to provide tourists opportunities for human, spiritual, and cultural encounters,” explains D. Virgílio Antunes, in the appointment decree published on the diocese’s online page.
The bishop of Coimbra highlights that tourism, in its different motivations and modalities, “constitutes a growing reality with significant repercussions in human life,” and the Church has the mission to “accompany all people and to propose to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
In this context, D. Virgílio Antunes appointed the new Diocesan Commission for Tourism Pastoral Care, to whom he indicated four objectives for the mission they will develop over the next three years, besides the functions of coordinating this sector, also to “train tourism operators regarding Christian culture.”
The appointees will also promote “pastoral welcoming in communities that receive tourists” and propose “evangelization actions” directed at tourists.
The new Diocesan Commission for Tourism Pastoral Care has as president Cidália Maria dos Santos, and for assistant, Father Carlos Alberto Godinho was appointed.
The bishop of Coimbra also selected Diogo Manuel Valente Ribas, Margarida Franca, Maria Manuel Urbano, Paulo Miguel Jesus, and Raul Moura Mendes for this diocesan team.
CB