AMERICA/ARGENTINA - The present situation of violence can be overcome by “hearts made new and converted to God” says Archbishop Arancedo calling a day of prayer, fasting and reflection on Friday 27 July

Santa Fe (Agenzia Fides) - Concerned at the present situation of violence in Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz Archbishop José María Arancedo and the council of priests have stated their commitment to promote peace of heart and eradicate all tendency to violence. "First of all we wish to say that we are committed to promoting peace of heart to improve social harmony and uproot violence of any kind" the Archbishop affirmed in a recent statement calling Catholics to join him in the endeavour to reach this goal which can be obtained, he said, with concrete commitment by everyone.
The Archbishop said the root of all evil is that " God has been forgotten, his presence denied. In addition we have a situation of marginalisation and exclusion proper to our society, an economic system which gives priority to material things rather than human persons and then there is the destructive impact of drug trafficking and abuse which strikes at every level”.
In the statement the Archbishop and the Council of Priests call on the provincial authorities to “take short and long term measures to guarantee security for citizens and, starting with young people, build a culture of peace, respect and social harmony". They say that schools, NGOs, media and religious communities must also play a part in this undertaking to “build a society of reconciliation, solidarity and peace”. The Statement concludes recalling that "this sort of change can only come about if it starts from a heart which is made new, converted to God and to others" adding that all Christians and men and women of good will are invited to take part in a day of prayer, fasting and reflection on Friday 27 July. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/7/2007; righe 20, parole 278)