Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Valdivia (Agenzia Fides) - The Patagonian Bishops of Argentina and Chile met in Valdivia (Chile) April 1-4 for a time of reflection and exchange of experiences on various topics that present a challenge in their pastoral work, especially regarding migration, in the spirit of the Aparecida Document.
At the close of the meeting, they issued a statement on the Encounter, with the main conclusions. On the theme of migration, the Bishops proposed several pastoral actions, such as: strengthening the already-existing Pastoral Migration Commissions and creating new ones in places where there are none; encourage and educate the consecrated and lay workers in the pastoral care of migration; establish concrete ways to receive the people in each diocese; foster integral human development among migrants, implying a greater protection of their dignity and rights, the practice of solidarity and subsidizing; promote evangelization among migrants, implying an acceptance of their religious spirit, offering catechesis and spiritual formation, so that they themselves may become disciples and missionaries of Jesus Christ; encourage inculturation.
The Bishops have also manifested their desire to “accompany the indigenous people in strengthening their own identity and organizations, the defense of territories, a bilingual intercultural education, and the defense of their rights,” according to the petition made in the Aparecida Document. Thus, the pastoral work should have the important objectives of valuing, integrating, respecting, and encouraging a participation of these peoples.”
Another matter addressed by the Bishops was their concern for Patagonia, which they consider “a reservation of life on the planet with a rich bio-diversity” and “a gift from God that all people, especially believers, should cherish and protect, with astuteness and solidarity, for the good of present and future generations.” For that reason, they show their concern for some projects in planning “that seek to establish themselves on our lands and that could cause grave harm to the ecological balance and social peace.” They also remind the faithful of the environmental ethic that “urges us to avoid any indiscriminate exploiting of nature, especially water, which is such a vital need and so scarce today.” This is why the Bishops encourage the faithful to take active role in the information, project proposals, discernment, and decision-making regarding Patagonia; increase solidarity with the poorest and most defenseless, promoting a spirit of service; value justice and peace, especially in the workplace and in social life; promote a culture of life and austerity in wealth, even in the details of everyday life.
Lastly, the Bishops addressed the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Treaty between Argentina and Chile thanks to the mediation efforts of Pope John Paul II. The Bishops proposed some initiatives, such as: reactivation of the promise made by the Bishops of Chile and Argentina to “build a monument to the Virgin of Peace in Monte Aymond, proclaiming the victory of peace”; encourage initiatives and encounters held in a joint-collaboration of the two countries, promoting a culture of peace. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 7/4/2008 righe 41, parole 488)
