Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guajara Mirin (Agenzia Fides) –Catholic Bishops of Brazil and Bolivia met for the 10th Meeting of Bishops of the Brazil-Bolivia frontier region held in Guajara Mirin (Brazil), 17 al 19 June. Issues for discussion included: drug-trafficking, widespread in this region and smuggling; prison pastoral, to support activity to promote respect for human rights; the Great Continental Mission and the Amazon Region.
In a spirit of brotherhood and pastoral cooperation the Bishops affirm in the final statement that there are no limits in the Church, the Church, the one great family of the children of God, helps build a world of more justice and solidarity and diversity becomes mutual enrichment. The Bishops say “we reflected on the presence of the Church in society in which we live and the Church's task to accompany processes of change always proclaiming the Good News of Jesus, the hope of every person of goodwill and to be close to the poor”. “Brazil and Bolivia as neighbours share human and cultural riches as well as common problems which must be clearly denounced”.
“As Bishops of the Church - the statement continues - we are concerned about the plague of drug trafficking which destroys young people and whole families and generates violence in our towns and cities; another concern that so many citizens continue to emigrate in search of better living conditions but end up in illegal situations of isolation”.
Warning that “certain projects in the Amazon may harm nature or be in the interest of only one country” the Bishops say " projects must be undertaken in a climate of reciprocal dialogue and respect for nature, and aim for the good of our countries and communities”.
The Bishops say the meeting was an opportunity to “renew our commitment to work together to assist small border communities, in prison pastoral to assist prisoners and their families, in pastoral care for human mobility and care for emigrants of both countries”.
With regard to the Continental Missione the Bishops recall: “the Aparecida Conference gave new spirit, life and action to our local Churches: our dignity as missionary disciples encourages us to be witnesses of Jesus and to work hard to build up His Kingdom”. They also agreed on the necessity of better coordination of the celebration of the Sacraments to help the whole community live and share the faith.
“We ask Our Lady of Siringuero to protect the life of our local Churches, to help our pastoral workers and the entire People of God, in a spirit of renewal and pastoral conversion, be witnesses of the Good News of Jesus” the statement concludes. Meetings for Bishops of the Brazil-Bolivia frontier region started in 1982. The next one will be held in 2010 in Bolivia. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/6/2008)
