Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Pedro Apostol (Agenzia Fides) - In a statement issued with the priests of his diocese Bishop Adalberto Martínez Flores, of the diocese of San Pedro in Paraguay, calls for help to face the "critical situation in the country, especially in the Department of San Pedro, due to prolonged drought and vast burning of thousands of hectares of forests, pastures and crops". The statement denounces various causes of the disaster: indiscriminate deforestation by people with no regard for the consequences, total lack of respect for environmental laws, burning of pastureland by people without conscience, failure to realise the gravity of the situation immediately and delayed reaction on the part of the of the government.
The Bishop and the diocese thank those who are helping to alleviate the tragic situation. They call on communities and dioceses of the world to "intensify prayers and to continue to find ways to organise solidarity for the needy", the urge state structures to give "more rapid attention and short, medium and long term assistance in these cases "; they call on the people "not to let themselves be manipulated because of poverty or need " and they warn political leaders “not to take advantage of the poverty of our people to promote interests other than the common good”. The statement concludes "With total trust and hope in the God of life, in Mary our Mother and Saint Pedro, our patron saint and with every means available, the diocesan church of San Pedro confirms its calling and commitment to assist those most in need and those most neglected by the Department". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 15/9/2007; righe 20, parole 295)
