Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - In their Lenten Message for 2008, the Bishops
of Mexico have asked their faithful to fight the illegal drug trafficking in
their country. Recognising that Mexicans in the past have shown their support
for one another in emergency situations such as the floods in Tabasco and Chiapas, the Bishops also remind them that, "this time of Lent is an opportunity to once again turn our gaze towards our brothers in need, especially in those states where, although they have passed the time of emergency disaster, the time of reconstruction still continues."
They also recall the numerous problems that exist in Mexico, due to "the over-emphasis on the value of material goods that most cruelly effects those who have none." Among the problems they list are: “corruption, the desire for power for its own sake, monopolies that widen the gap between the rich and poor, and especially, the illegal drug trafficking that has caused so much death and destruction in our country.” While recognising the effort made by many Institutions and by the government in the fight against drug trafficking, the bishops make an appeal to the people asking that they may not, “turn a deaf ear, that they may not wait with their arms folded to see if a solution comes, because it is something that depends on everyone.”
Thus, they invite the people to take advantage of this time of Lent to begin the path of conversion and sincere return to God. "This Lent offers us all the opportunity to continue supporting our brothers most in need, and to renew our commitment to the culture of life, with our firm 'No' to the illegal drug trafficking and to the pain and death that always accompany it." With that, the Bishops concluded asking that Our Lady of Guadalupe protect all those who "that risk their lives in the fight to build a society where justice and peace reign.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 14/2/2008 righe: 21, parole: 323 )
