Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) - Yesterday, the Ecuadorian Bishops’ Conference (CEE) announced the beginning of the Lenten Aid Campaign: MUNERA 2008 that will have as its theme this year: “Human Dignity: A Commitment for Everyone!”. The theme was placed by Bishop Luis Sanchez Armijos, Bishop of Tulcan and General Secretary of the CEE.
In his message, Bishop Sanchez explained that the MUNERA Campaign takes place during Lent, as it is a time for intensifying our prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, but above all, for supporting those most in need of our help. Other issues to be addressed in the campaign, in relation to the central theme, are: the need to recognise the value of the human person, respecting one’s own life as well as the lives of others, avoiding anything that can harm health or life (addictions, suicide), rejecting abortion and any attacks on human life, and supporting the most needy, treating them as oneself and recognising Christ incarnate in them.
The campaign was begun by Cardinal Pablo Muñoz in 1976 in order to “begin to work on behalf of those among us who suffer from injustice, physical hunger, and above all, the hunger for the education and culture that are nourishment for the dignity of the human person.” In the past, the funds that are raised have been used for various social projects for children in Cuba, for 15 projects for handicapped children within Ecuador, for victims of the earthquake in the province of Cotopaxi, for the construction of homes in various provinces, nutritional programs for children in rural areas, victims of the tsunami in Asia, victims of the eruption of Tungurahua, AIDS victims, elderly in need, etc. Last year the collection was sent to the victims of the volcanic eruption of Tungurahua, providing 6,000 people with food over the course of six months, as well as offering medicines, livestock feed, and veterinary services many of the rural areas. In conjunction with Caritas of Germany and CRS, the Caritas of Ecuador has begun a project: “Economic Revival of the population affected by the eruption of the volcano Tungurahua.”
The Bishops’ Conference has made an invitation to all Catholics to join in the MUNERA campaign, “that each year offers us the opportunity of supporting those who suffer.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 7/2/2008; righe 30 parole 374)
