Response of Robert CHOPARD-LALLIER, the apostolic prefect of Parakou, Benin, to Vatican II’s Antepreparatory Commission

Ill.me ac Rev.me Domine,

Honorifice subsignatas has litteras circa concilium accepi 30 mensis iulii et diligentissime perscribo secundum vota magni momenti Ecclesiae Sanctissimi Patris Nostri.

I. Ad unitatem fovendam

Membra ecclesiarum quae fidem aliquam christianam profiteantur ut eminenter proxima inter acatholicos fratres, sicut filios christianae traditionis, non ut excommunicatos spectanda censeo.

Possibile sit favere quasdam preces communes sive inter baptizatos, sive inter pastores animarum, iuris canonici relaxando articulos: 1258 – 2314 – 2319.

II. De personis

Antiquae disciplinae ecclesiae romanae rigor debet ecclesiae africanae convenire: nihil debet mutari de obligationibus clericorum: C.I.C. can. 132 § 1 et can. 134.

Erga episcoporum personam, opportunum est ratione evangelicae simplicitatis, signa aliqua exteriora minuere v. g. annuli deosculationem extra ceremonias; titulum nobilem « Excellentia » praestandum…

III. De ritibus

Relative ad laicorum apostolatum, ritus confirmationis et matrimonii amplificandus est.

Commissio de re liturgica apud afros permanenter instituenda sub vigilantia Sanctae Sedis ut directorium pastorale componenda est.

Dum autem Amplitudini Tuae fausta omnia precor a Domino, Tui permaneo

Addictissimus in Christo
ROBERTUS CHOPARD-LALLIER
Praefectus Apostolicus Parakuensis

Most Illustrious and Reverend Lord,

 I received this letter, honourably undersigned, about the council on 30 July, and I very diligently write in line with the wishes of Our Most Holy Father, which are of great importance to the Church.

 I. To foster unity

I recommend that members of churches who profess some Christian faith be regarded as eminently closest among non-Catholic brethren, as children of Christian tradition, and not as the excommunicated.

Let it be possible to encourage certain common prayers, whether among the baptized or among pastors of souls, by relaxing the articles of the canon law: 1258 – 2314 – 2319.

II. On persons

The rigour of the ancient discipline of the Roman church ought to suit the African church: nothing should be changed regarding the obligations of clerics: C.I.C. Can. 132 § 1 and Can. 134.

With regard to the person of bishops, it is opportune, for the sake of evangelical simplicity, to reduce some outward signs, for example, the kissing of the ring outside of ceremonies; bestowing the noble title “Excellence” …

III. On rites

In relation to the apostolate of the laity, the rite of confirmation and marriage should be amplified.

A commission for liturgical matters among Africans to be permanently instituted under the vigilance of the Holy See as a pastoral directory has to be composed.

And while I pray for all favourable things from the Lord for Your Eminence, I remain Yours 

Very devoted in Christ
ROBERTUS CHOPARD-LALLIER
Apostolic Prefect of Parakou