Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – A statement on "Eucharist, priesthood and Church unity" has been issued by the Archdiocese of Caracas following reports of a Mass recently celebrated without the permission of the Archbishop during which public prayers were said for the president elect of Paraguay. The statement signed by Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino and his four auxiliary Bishops, recalls that priests and consecrated persons are called to “live the Church's mission with joy and enthusiasm and to announce to all men and women that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour and to be missionaries at builders of unity and peace ”.
Priests, deacons and men and women religious must behave in the social-political field “as courageous messengers of the Gospel, promoters of justice and peace and determined defenders of human rights, fathers and brothers and sisters to all the faithful, regardless of their political attitude”. At the same time the document recalls that “for priests or consecrated persons to encourage political support for a certain party is not compatible with their ecclesial and pastoral mission”.
The Statement continues “The Eucharist is the Catholic Church's greatest treasure, the Sacrament of unity and bond of charity among all believers ”, Mass is to be celebrated “in a spirit of sincere prayer and religious fervour, with deep respect and in total communion with the diocesan and universal Church, as an expression of unity of all Catholics. It should never serve for political interpretations or manipulation ”.
“The Catholics of Caracas, bishops, priests, deacons, religious must work together for the good of our country, serving the nation with generosity and always, promoting Church unity”, teh statement ends. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 25/6/2008)
