Apostolic Nuncio in Ivory Coast Urges Teams of Our Lady to “persevere in prayer, trust in God”

Abidjan, 21 October, 2025 / 4:47 PM

The representative of the Holy Father in Ivory Coast has urged members of the Teams of Our Lady (END) to deepen their trust in God and remain steadfast in prayer as they continue the mission of supporting Christian married couples.

In his homily during the opening of the pastoral year for END members on Sunday, October 19, Archbishop Mauricio Rueda Beltz emphasized that prayer must remain the foundation of every Christian’s life.

“Persevere in prayer and trust in God. The image of Moses, hands raised until sunset to secure Israel’s victory, perfectly illustrates persevering prayer,” Archbishop Beltz said at Good Shepherd Parish of Abidjan Catholic Archdiocese, referring to the First Reading of the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Exodus 17:8-13.

The representative of the Holy Father in Ivory Coast added, “Prayer is an opportunity to encounter God. When we pray, we remain in contact with God. The one who prays can grasp God’s thoughts and will; he can see things as God does, since he shares His perspective.”

“In the desires of our lives, when we feel that nothing is going well, when we are tossed by the violent winds of despair and anxiety, doubt arises, and we may think that God has abandoned us. In such moments, we must keep trust in God. Know that we are not alone, for God walks alongside us,” he said, still drawing inspiration from Exodus 17:8-13.

The Colombian-born Vatican diplomat also warned of the dangers of neglecting prayer, saying, “If we do not persevere in prayer, we risk losing hope instead of advancing serenely toward God, the unchanging valley that always quenches our thirst,” he said.

Addressing those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, Archbishop Beltz reminded them that this Sacrament is “not merely a reward but a commitment — to be well formed, vigilant, and in a state of grace, so that our mission is consistent with the Gospel.” 

He encouraged END members to actively participate in service in their respective families, workplaces, and communities, highlighting that “mission begins in our neighbourhood, on our street, in our family, in our workplace.”

The theme of this year’s pastoral opening was “Love Is Far More Than Love,” which, according to Alphonse Konan, president of END Ivory Coast, “highlights the love of God, which surpasses all other forms of love, including carnal love.”

Founded in France in 1938 by Fr. Henri Caffarel, the END is an international Catholic movement that helps married couples live fully their sacrament of marriage and grow spiritually in small teams, with the support of a Priest.

Justin Assalé contributed to the writing of this story.