VATICAN - AVE MARIA by Mgr. Luciano Alimandi - The One awaited by the nations!
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Advent, the season of waiting for the Lord who comes, and will not delay, has just begun! This special time of waiting is offered to the whole of humanity, because Jesus is the Saviour of every human person. However we are free to decide whether or not to seek the divine origin of Eternal Love, our Creator.
In actual fact, as human creatures, who come from God we carry in our hearts a longing for Him, veiled by an ineffable desire for Happiness, because God-Love is the supreme Beatitude. However original sin, confused and disoriented the first man and woman, deviating their and our existential “track” which, before that tremendous fall of our first parents, pointed “naturally” towards God, but then it “exited” from the celestial orbit. Since our nature was wounded by sin, we are no longer naturally drawn to the things of Heaven, we are not immediately aware of our longing for God, we “stray” as if lost, in a world which is foreign to us, seeking in it the source of happiness. But neither the things of this earth, nor human creatures, nor our self-oriented 'I', can ever satisfy our longing. God alone can fill this existential void, coming to visit the desert of our solitude!
Despite human failings, however, the longing for great things remains indelibly inscribed on every heart, created by God in His own image and likeness which nothing can ever erase. The coming of the Redeemer, in the fullness of time, the Advent of Christ two thousand years ago, gave us once again true light and certain hope, if we have faith in the One who illuminates the sublime vocation of every man and woman: holiness! The fulfilment in Him of our deepest desires.
Therefore sincere conversion is simply “returning” to the heart of the Father, guided by the love of the Son, and savouring in the Spirit, true and unending life.
From the first Advent of Jesus “ we have, all of us, received - one gift replacing another,” (Jn 1, 16) the answer to the deepest longings of our heart, to our aching nostalgia for boundless freedom. In other words, beatitude is no longer out of reach, it has come down to us for ever with the Incarnation of the Son of God in the pure womb of the one and only spotless creature: the Blessed Virgin Mary!
In Immaculate Mary, Advent is fulfilled in a supreme way, indeed it is thanks to Mary that the coming of Jesus was possible. At her words “behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word ” (Lk 1, 38) the heavens open, the waiting of the nations is over, the One we all await so expectantly, Our Lord Jesus, comes.
Certainly Isaiah never imagined to what extent his prophecy, “ behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel, God with us ” (Is 7,14) and his supplication, “ Distil, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, that it may bring forth salvation ” (Is 45,8) would be fulfilled.
At the beginning of the Season of Advent, the light of Immaculate Mary shines in all its splendour, caressing us with her tenderness and her warmth, opening our hearts to the mystery of Jesus, thanks to her, the rising Sun:
“the most noble of all the Angels was sent from Heaven
to say ‘Hail’ to the Mother of God.
At his bodiless greeting
seeing You Lord made man in Her,
in ecstasy,
the Angel acclaimed Mary thus:
Hail, through you, new joy shines ;
Hail, through you, pain is stilled.
Hail, salvation of the fallen Adam;
Hail, ransom of Eve's tears.
Hail, sublime pinnacle of human intellect;
Hail, profound abyss in the eyes of the Angels.
Hail, in you the King's throne was up lifted;
Hail, bearer of the One who holds all.
Hail, Star who precedes the Sun;
Hail, womb of God made flesh.
Hail, through you, creation is made new;
Hail, through you, the Creator is a child.
Hail, Bride unwedded!
(From the 5th century liturgical hymn Akathistos).
(Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
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VATICAN - Benedict XVI at the General Audience: “Christ crucified and risen, the new Adam, opposed the filthy river of evil with a river of light. And this river is present in history.”
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father Benedict XVI, at his General Audience held on Wednesday, December 3, focused on the relationship between Adam, the first man, and Christ in the preaching of Saint Paul. “Paul reviews the history of salvation from Adam to the Law and from the latter to Christ,” the Pope explained. “Adam is not at the center of the scene with the consequences of sin on humanity, but Jesus Christ and grace that, through him, was poured in abundance on humanity.” The gift received in Christ surpasses the sin of Adam and its consequences on humanity “Hence, the encounter Paul traces between Adam and Christ brings to light the inferiority of the first man vis-à-vis the prevalence of the second.” “If, in the faith of the Church the awareness matured of the dogma of original sin it is because it is indissolubly connected with the other dogma, that of salvation and freedom in Christ.”
Thus, the Holy Father posed several questions: What is this original sin? What does St. Paul teach, what does the Church teach? Is this doctrine still tenable today? Many think that, in the light of the history of evolution, “there is no longer a place for the doctrine of a first sin, which then spread to the whole history of humanity. And, consequently, the question of the Resurrection and of the Redeemer would also lose its foundation.” On the existence of original sin, the Pope indicated two aspects: empirical and mystical. “Every man knows that he must do good and he profoundly wants to do so. However, at the same time, he also feels the other impulse to do the contrary, to follow the path of egoism, violence, of doing only what pleases him even while knowing that he is acting against the good, against God and against his neighbor...This interior contradiction of our being is not a theory. Each one of us experiences it every day. And above all we always see around us the prevalence of this second will...As a consequence of this power of evil in our souls, a filthy river has developed in history, which poisons the geography of human history.” This contradiction of the human soul still provokes even today, the desire for redemption, the desire that the world change, and “it is precisely this expression of the desire that there be a liberation from the contradiction we experience in ourselves.”
Demonstrating the power of evil in the human heart and in human history, the Holy Father affirmed that “in the history of thought, except for the Christian faith, there is a principal model of explanation, with several variations. This model says: being itself is contradictory, it bears within it good and evil. In ancient times this idea implied the opinion that two equally original principles existed: a good principle and an evil principle. This dualism was insurmountable.” In the evolutionist, atheist vision of the world, being itself is not simply good, “but open to good and evil. Evil is equally original as good...That which we Christians call original sin is in reality only the mixed character of being, a mixture of good and evil, according to this theory, it belonged to the very fabric of being. Deep down, it is a despairing vision: If it is so, evil is invincible.”
According to the faith, witnessed to by St. Paul, the competition between the two natures is confirmed, however “faith tells us that there are not two principles, one good and one evil, but only one principle, the creator God, and this principle is good, only good, without a shadow of evil. As well, being is not a mixture of good and evil; being as such is good...Then a mystery of darkness, of night follows. Evil does not come from the source of being itself, it is not equally original. Evil comes from a created liberty, from an abused liberty...Evil is not logical. Only God and the good are logical, are light. Evil remains mysterious.”
Referring to chapter 3 of the book of Genesis, with the vision of the two trees, the serpent, sinful man, the Holy Father explained that this great image “makes us guess, but it cannot explain how much in itself is illogical.” “Evil comes from a subordinate source. With his light, God is stronger and, because of this, evil can be overcome. Therefore, the creature, man, is curable...God has introduced healing. He entered in person into history. To the permanent source of evil he has opposed a source of pure good. Christ crucified and risen, the new Adam, opposed the filthy river of evil with a river of light. And this river is present in history: We see the saints, the great saints but also the humble saints, the simple faithful. We see that the river of light that comes from Christ is present, is strong.”
The Pope concluded his catechesis by recalling the two-fold meaning of the season of Advent that the Church is living. Advent is present as “the light is present, Christ is the new Adam, he is with us and in our midst. The light already shines and we must open the eyes of the heart to see the light and to enter the river of light. Above all to be grateful for the fact that God himself has entered history as new source of goodness. But Advent also means expectation. The dark night of evil is still strong. And that is why we pray in Advent with the ancient people of God: 'Rorate caeli desuper.' And we pray with insistence: Come Jesus; come, give force to light and goodness; come where falsehood, ignorance of God, violence and injustice dominate; come, Lord Jesus, give force to the good of the world and help us to be bearers of your light, agents of peace, witnesses of truth. Come Lord Jesus!” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 4/12/2008)
Links:
Complete text of the Holy Father's catechesis, in various languages
http://www.evangelizatio.org/portale/adgentes/pontefici/pontefice.php?id=1297
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AFRICA - “The stranger is not to be seen as a threat, but as our brother in Christ,” Bishops of Africa and Europe state at the close of the Liverpool Seminar on Migration
Liverpool (Agenzia Fides) – Migration is a global phenomenon that requires a greater pastoral attention on the part of the Church and her pastors, the European and African Bishops said in their final message issued at the close of the Seminar promoted by the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM). The Seminar was entitled: “ 'I was a stranger and you made me welcome': Migration as a new opportunity for evangelization and solidarity,” which took place November 19-23 in Liverpool (England).
“This worldwide phenomenon covers persons of various categories, such as migrant workers and their families, students, refugees, asylum-seekers, internally-displaced persons, stateless persons, victims of human trafficking, particularly women and children, and others,” reads the document, a copy of which was sent to Agenzia Fides.
The African and European Bishops highlight the fact that “from these Church documents and the various experiences presented at this seminar, we would like to affirm that the stranger is not to be seen as a threat or a problem, but rather to be seen, through the lens of the Holy Scriptures and the teachings of the Church.”
The document continues, saying: “the migrant or refugee who should be welcomed first and foremost as a child of God, created in his image and likeness, and therefore possessing inalienable dignity and rights that the Church must promote and defend at all cost. Secondly, the migrant is also saved by the blood of the Saviour Jesus Christ, and therefore is heir to the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, he/she is not just anybody, but indeed is a brother/sister in the Lord Jesus Christ.”
In reaffirming the dignity of the migrant, the Bishops recall that he is “an occasion of grace from God and he/she brings with him/herself a new wealth of culture, spirituality, intellect and intelligence, creativity and still more of humanity.”
In order to make the Church capable of dedicating the maximum amount of attention possible to migrants, the Bishops from the two continents ask “all Episcopal Conferences in Africa and in Europe to put in place, where they are absent, appropriate institutions for the study of migrants, and especially for welcoming them and providing pastoral care for them. As a priority, attention should be given to the phenomenon of itinerant people, especially concentrating on the situation of refugees, migrant workers, women and students, who often are the most vulnerable.”
The care of the most vulnerable is also emphasized in another part of the document: “We recommend that competent priests, deacons and pastoral agents be appointed at various levels...for the pastoral care of migrants, with special attention to women, children and students who are most easily exploited by unscrupulous persons and cartels, which render them victims of immoral practices.”
The migration phenomenon is a complex reality that needs adequate study. With this in mind, in the document they mention that the “National Episcopal and Regional conferences should give priority to the study of this phenomenon of migration, in order to find solutions to the root causes of what makes someone a migrant, especially the movement of refugees, exiles, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, etc. from Africa to Europe.”
The next planning meeting for the CCEE/SECAM Seminar on migration will take place in 2009. In 2011, there will be a Worldwide Conference. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
Links:
Final Message of the Seminar (in English)
http://www.fides.org/eng/documents/SECAM-CCEE_SEMINAR.rtf
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AFRICA - Vocations are growing in Africa: Spiritual Directors in Africa's seminaries tell Fides their experiences
Rome (Agenzia Fides) - “ We have many vocations, including to the religious life, both masculine and feminine. In relation to the formation of diocesan priests, we have decided to improve resources by creating provincial seminaries that can welcome candidates from all over a certain area. Among our main concerns is that of guaranteeing a formation that is spiritual and theological as well as social, keeping in mind the particular situation in our country,” Fr. Otu Andrew Adeiza of St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary in Makurdi (central Nigeria), told Fides. Fr. Otu is one of the participants in the Course for Spiritual Directors organized in recent days, at the Vatican, and sponsored by CIAM (the International Center for Missionary Animation), which was attended by about 20 priests from missionary countries, in order to reflect more deeply on the means of spiritual direction and formation for seminarians.
“Nigeria is a country were the dominant religions are Christianity and Islam,” Fr. Andrew mentioned. “Among the Christians, the majority are Catholic or Anglican. Ecumenical and interreligious dialogue play an important role. Christians have recently published joint statements on national issues, addressing all Nigerians in a single voice. Dialogue with the Muslims continues, although always with the problems of radical groups and the use of the Sharia (Islamic law) for political ends. In my diocese, the relationship between the various religions is very good, also because there are families in which various members are of different religions. The Catholic Church is very respected by all Nigerians, especially for her firm position in defense of life in all its forms.”
Theophilus Anyanwu, of the Provincial Seminary of Enugu (southern Nigeria) says: “We have between 50-60 seminarians. We try to instill the missionary dimension in them. We have seen positive results. Our diocese has sent priests on missions in Nigeria, as well as in Africa, Europe, Asia, and America.” “The Catholic Church is very appreciated in Africa, as many times it is the only concrete point of reference amidst the dramatic crisis that affect many nations on our continent.”
Fr. Peter Mwangi Mathu, Spiritual Director of the Mother of Apostles Seminary in Eldoret (Kenya), tells Fides how during the dramatic days of violence in Kenya in January-February of this past year, his seminary “gave refuge to over 200 people.” “As an educator and member of the Church, I feel the responsibility to promote peace and reconciliation, beginning with people's spirit. The Catholic Church of Kenya is actively working to avoid a reprisal of the violence of recent months,” Fr. Peter said. His own family was forced to live in a refugee camp for several months. In the area, there are over 300,000 internal refugees.
Fr. Thaddeus Kasmir Mattowo, Spiritual Direcotr of the St. Charles Lwanga Senior Seminary in Dar el Salaam (Tanzania), describes the path taken by a young man on the way to the priesthood: “We have 96 students in our seminary. We offer them a complete formation program, not only theological and spiritual, but also on culture in general, because not all the students will become priests. Our educational program has three years of philosophy and four of theology, plus a year of pastoral experience. Several of the students are sent to Rome to complete their formation in Pontifical Universities.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
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ASIA/HONG KONG - Congress held by the Hong Kong Catholic Lay Missionary Association celebrates 20 years of lay missionary activity and training
Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) - “From the Book of Jonah to the Mystery of Evangelization” was thhe theme addressed by Fr. Giovanni Giampietro, PIME, in the formation course for evangelization held during the Hong Kong Catholic Lay Missionary Association Congress, which took place in November. According to Kong Ko Bao (the Chinese version of the diocesan bulletin), the 20th Congress of the Lay Missionary Association also celebrated its 20th anniversary of foundation. The course was the last in a series of courses that have been going on during 2008. Lay missionary Wendy Lui, who just returned from Cambodia, shared her experience. The participants also viewed photos of missionaries in Kenya, which encouraged them to take an even more active role. Monsignor Dominic Chang, Diocesan Vicar, presided the Mass, which was attended by a group of 50 people.
According to the Association's website, this lay missionary group began in 1988, with the motto “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). They are the first lay association to send lay missionaries to foreign countries. There are 11 lay persons who have responded generously to Christ's call, dedicating themselves to the service of the Gospel in Africa (Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Kenya) and in Asia (Cambodia). The objectives of the association are: to respond to Christ's call as laity of Hong Kong, placing every effort in the mission of evangelization; accompany the poor, helping them to know their own dignity and the capacities that the Lord has given them; help in missionary areas, so that through evangelization, the local Church may grow and mature. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
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ASIA/QATAR - In the wake of the Doha Conference: no shift towards support of poorer nations, however a new meeting is planned for 2009. The Holy See raises the question of “sustainable development” in order to conserve resources for the future.
Doha (Agenzia Fides) – The Conference on development financing sponsored by the United Nations in Doha, Qatar has ended without that overall shift in politics towards favoring the poor countries, which was so desired by several parties. However, the commitments assumed in Monterrey (Mexico), at the previous Conference, were confirmed. The international community has still not made direct options on financing development and growth in the planet's most underdeveloped nations, nor have there been interventions foreseen in light of the financial crisis, which has affected the world economy in recent months.
Among the decisions made by the Conference, however, is that of calling for another high-level meeting in 2009, on questions relating to the financial and economic crisis, and its impact on development. This Conference will be organized by the President of the UN General Assembly and will be basically planned by March. The calling for another meeting is, in fact, proof that many delicate matters – mainly those of a financial nature – are in need of more thorough reflection.
The Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the UN, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, was clear in his address, asking that the Conference take up some of the important themes on the international agneda, and among these he mentioned: “the anxiety over the economic and political consequences of an unprecedented financial crisis and the persistent devastating presence of terrorism, as evidenced by the tragic events in Mumbai, India.”
He continued: “This crisis presents an enormous challenge in finding ways to address the concerns of those most in need. At its root, the financial crisis is not a failure of human ingenuity, rather of moral conduct.” “The effects of such short-term greed and lack of prudence,” will make it so that “those who recently were able to rise out of extreme poverty are now likely to fall back.” Thus, the Archbishop linked two concepts: sustainable development and sustainable finance, both in light of a future turn of events in governing the global crisis.
“We often speak of sustainable development,” Archbishop Migliore said, with the goal of responding to “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Likewise, sustainable financing should meet the present capital needs for development, while ensuring the long-term preservation and increase of resources.” And in this sense, the Holy See hopes that “the principle of sustainable financial development [may be applied] to financial markets.”
Thus, the representative of the Holy See called for a new role of financial institutions on a global level: “The international community must also give greater respect for the voices of those countries and individuals most in need of financial assistance. The Bretton Woods institutions need to be refocused and the so called G-8 and G-20 countries must ensure that the voices of those who are in such need of development assistance are heard and respected.”
A purely top down approach to development, Archbishop Migliore said, “will remain insufficient unless greater concern is given to those whose lives and countries are at stake.” In recent days, the Vatican, through the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, has placed emphasis on the urgent need to intervene in offshore financing, which plays a subtle yet crucial role in the present world economic crisis (see Fides 28/11/2008). (Mtp) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
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ASIA/THAILAND - Change in the political crisis: Constitutional Court oust the Premier
Bangkok (Agenzia Fides) – The political crisis that has been affecting Thailand for six months now, has undergone a change: in a unanimous decision the judges of the Constitutional Court, in judging on the legitimacy of the government, have dissolved the executive branch. The Court's sentence has suspended the political activity of Premier Somchai Wongsawat for 5 years, dissolving the “People's Power Party” (PPP), of which the Premier was a member, as well as the two other parties of the coalition government, found guilty of electoral fraud in the December 2007 elections.
The verdict has been successful in placing an end to the protest that for a week has been paralyzing the nation: thousands of demonstrators of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), the opposition party, surrounded and entered the headquarters of the institutions, later moving on to the two airports in Bangkok, blocking a large part of the nation's air traffic, thus provoking grave damages to the nation's economy, tourism, and commerce.
The dissolving of the political parties does not necessarily imply prompt elections. The ad interim government is being led at this time by Premier Chavarat Charnvirakul, who has agreed with the Head of Parliament, on the election of a new Prime Minister on December 8. According to observers, the current majority, weakened by protests in the square and the verdict of the Court, will have a hard time trying to pass a new Premier, which will be the third in three months, after the ousting of Samak Sundarave, who was also condemned by the Constitutional Courts on accusations of conflict of interests.
The Court's sentence has avoided a military coups, at least for now, voices from the capital say.
Now, PAD hopes to influence the new political campaign, also thanks to the Crown. The beloved sovereign Bhumibol Adulyadej will give his customary message to the nation tomorrow, as it is his 81 birthday. The address will announce the great importance of tranquilizing the public (as the king already enjoys a high level of acceptance by the people) and to soften the dangerous social conflict in the country.
In the meantime, the anti-government demonstrators have lifted the block on the main airport in Bangkok, which had lasted 8 days...giving hope to the 230,000 tourists trapped in the country.
The economy has also been affected by months of blockages and instability, and is now awaiting a breakthrough, especially in the area of tourism. The tourism industry is a key part of Thai economy, taking in 8% of the GNP, and providing employment to nearly 2 million people. In fact, southeastern Asia's tourist season hits its high time right about now. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
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AMERICA/BOLIVIA - Statement from the Bishops' Conference: “The prophetic mission of the Church can neither be silenced nor separated from its profound Christian roots.”
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) – The Press Office of the Bolivian Bishops' Conference (CEB) has issued a press statement to the public regarding the reactions of government authorities to what Cardinal Julio Terrazas said in his homily on Sunday, November 30, when he affirmed that “drug-trafficking and terrorism go against the dignity of the human person” and “evil events occur because we distance ourselves and we do not listen to the Word of the Lord.” He also mentioned that the country is becoming a “place dominated by drug-traffickers” and called on the authorities of the country to make an effort so that Bolivia does not become “a center for drugs, crime, and evil acts.” The government, however, stated that the Cardinal was not “competent” in speaking of political affairs. As a result, an intense controversy has broken out between Church hierarchy and authorities.
The CEB Press Office says that “when the Catholic Church, through a homily, gives examples of concrete events or situations, she is not entering in politics. Her mission is to reflect on the Word of God, make us reflect on the faith we profess and take out practical conclusions to be applied in our lives.” Moreover, “the prophetic mission of the Church can neither be silenced nor separated from its profound Christian roots.” Thus, in the Cardinal's mentioning of the unfortunate reality of drug-trafficking in the country, he is acting in accord with what has been shown by the official statistics, that in spite of the efforts made, it has not decreased in the nation. Thus, he makes an appeal to everyone, that we may make the necessary efforts to end this real and significant threat to society.”
They also mention that in response to the various acts of recent and past violence, “the Catholic Church has always condemned violence as a means to an end, in any circumstance, as recent statements show.” They conclude by expressing their hope that “these declarations may not be an attempt to sow division in the Church, which is one, founded on the Word of God and communion with all,” and ask that in this season of Advent that has just begun, “we may help one another to build the Kingdom of God today, which is peace, brotherhood, and justice.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
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AMERICA/PERU - Advent Message from the Bishops says that now is “a good time for conversion, forgiveness, and reconciliation, which we should all place in practice so as to live as brothers.”
Lima (Agenzia Fides) - “Advent invites us to look forward to the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ with faith and hope, as it will open an entirely new dimension to us, leading us to an interior and exterior conversion, to be more fraternal in our relations, to prayer, and to a sincere effort to seek the Living Christ incarnate in each one of us,” the Bishops of Peru said in their Advent Message to all the faithful.
The Bishops recall, first of all, the recent experience of solidarity among economic leaders of Asia and the Pacific, “that encourages us and is shown through various agreements on mutual cooperation and commercial trade, in favor of the well-being of our people.” There are also signs of hope being seen “in the growth of macro-economy and the new development opportunities being opened in Peru.” However, in spite of all these signs, the Bishop mention the fact that there are also several grave problems such as: social injustice, economic instability, great disparity among the people and towns, the plague of corruption, and social and political violence in its many manifestations and expressions.
In particular, in regards to corruption, they consider that it “generates a systematic lack of confidence in regards to the state and public institutions.” Thus, they encourage the government initiative for an integral plan against corruption, both in prevention and in prosecution of violators. As Pastors of the Church, they show their deep concern for the “reigning immorality that corrupts consciences, behavior, and undermines the fundamental values of life, marriage, and the family.” In light of this urgent situation, they ask that the mass media use professional and responsible attitudes, as their work should be “always inspired and founded on firm and ethical criteria, above all respect for the person, and for the permanent values that support the family and love for the truth.”
Advent is “a good time for conversion, forgiveness, and reconciliation, which we should all place in practice so as to live as brothers.” Thus, the Bishops make an appeal to authorities, to all sectors of society, to all men and women of good will, “so that together we may do our part, with responsibility and solidarity, in building a more peaceful and just Peru that guarantees a decent life for all Peruvians, including those most in need.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
Links:
Complete text of the Message from the Bishops of Peru
http://www.fides.org/spa/documents/Mensaje_de_Adviento_2008_PERU.doc
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AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Bishops issue a message of hope and reflection following November 23 elections and in preparation for Christmas
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - “We recognize the exemplary civil and democratic behavior shown by the citizens, many of whom went to vote. With this conduct, we have once more shown our desire to be governed in a democratic manner, in spite of our firm rejection of negative formulas that lead to violence and division.” With these words, the Bishops of Venezuela began their message of hope and reflection that they have sent out to the entire population, in the wake of November 23 elections, and in light of the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
In their message, the Bishops remind authorities that all the Venezuelans have given them their vote of confidence and have placed their hope in their capacity to improve the quality of life of all people. Thus, “it would be very sad if this hope were betrayed.” In this sense, they asked that “interpreting the voters' desires and voices, they may respond to the people's expectations and place the coomon good and the well-being of all people above all partisan or ideological interests, as well as those of a certain group or person.” Thus, they ask that they make every effort to resolve the main problems being suffered by the Venezuelan population, such as: insecurity and violence, poverty, unemployment, and corruption.
They also ask those who were not elected or not satisfied with the outcome of elections, to accept the election results with respect and decorum. “In order to affirm our democratic institution, it is necessary that the will of the people be accepted as it has been manifest.” They also remind everyone that “violence is neither democratic nor Christian and all of us have the right to live in peace.” Thus, they ask that language and gestures be controlled, so as not to “promote a climate of division, intolerance, and exclusion, that would place the peace and harmony of our citizens in jeopardy.”
They also recall the upcoming feast of Christmas, with the hope that “Advent and Christmas may bring Jesus to be born in the hearts of Venezuelans and that with Jesus, we may receive gifts of understanding, fraternal coexistence, and solidarity.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 3/12/2008)
Links:
Complete text of the Message from the Bishops of Venezuela
http://www.fides.org/spa/documents/Comunicado_de_la_Conferencia_Episcopal_Venezolana.doc
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