NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      SAO PAULO, 1 (NE) Between the 14th and the 23rd of April the 37th General Assembly of the Brazilian National Bishops' Conference (CNBB) will be carried out. Among other themes, the bishops will specially reflect on the evangelizing effort of the Church in Brazil for the next four years.

      "Missions and lay Ministries and lay Christians," the calendar for year 2000 and celebrations for the 500 anniversary of evangelization in Brazil, will also be among the most important topics to be discussed during the assembly.

      One of the most significant moments of the event will be the presentation of 16 crosses blessed by Pope John Paul II. The crosses are replicas of the cross present in the first Eucharistic celebration in Brazilian lands held April 26, 1500. The president of the Bishop's Conference will give them to the bishops presidents of the 16 episcopal regions. The crosses were donated by the Portuguese Bishops' conference.