Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Mexico have urged to people to “reaffirm at Christmas commitment for peace and justice”, in response to Pope Benedict XVI's Message for World Peace Day on 1 January 2008.
In the message the bishops also mention some of the challenges facing the Church and society in the new year. They say “ if guided by morals globalisation could be at the service of the person” but there is a high risk “that it will lead to the creation of large monopolies making profit the supreme value, and generating greater and more cruel poverty”. Another challenge is to “consolidate democracy. Some progress has been made but there must be wider participation on the basis of respect for human rights” the bishops write. Another challenge mentioned by the bishops was “ spreading secularism, hedonism and couldn't-care-less attitude which weakens Christian life" and also scarce or limited spiritual assistance for the faithful “many of whom with a good spirit and enthusiasm have a deep apostolic desire for evangelisation ”.
“In our complex society today - the Message reads - all men and women of good will must continue to work to reach agreements for the benefit of the most needy citizens”, indigenous families, immigrants, the sick, drug addicts, prisoners, homeless people living on the streets. The bishops also recall the smallest and most helpless citizen, the unborn child and the child in the family, and they voice concern that Mexican society “which has always given particular importance and care to family and life, may no longer have due legal protection to guarantee respect for human life at every stage, especially for the unborn child”.
The bishops do not fail to mention tensions in the country over the past year due to social and political changes typical of the country's process of evolution with many times of sadness and grief caused by natural disasters. They say however that similar events “are always an opportunity to demonstrate once again our country's strong spirit of solidarity ”.
The bishops conclude the message urging families to "intensify your spirit as the cradle of life and love, and to spread the message of justice and peace brought by Emanuel, God with us. ”. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/12/2007; righe 32, parole 446)
