Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) – On Sunday, September 7 marks the beginning of Peace Week 2008. The theme of this national event is “On the road to peace: Life with Dignity, Development, and Freedom” and it is scheduled to last until September 14. It is being sponsored by the National Pastoral/Social Secretariat and Caritas Colombia. Peace Week is an initiative for spreading awareness on the need for peace and the need for organizing concrete events each year in its promotion.
This year is the 15th Peace Week, which is an initiative geared towards education and motivation of Colombia’s people, so that the citizens can spend their lives in a responsible manner, contributing to the establishment of peace in the nation.
The Opening Mass for the Week will take place on Sunday at noon in the Cathedral of Bogota. During the week, the various jurisdictions, parishes, and groups will organize activities such as forums, educational events, Masses, cultural events, hikes, and more, all focused on the theme of the event.
The Bishop of Barrancabermeja and President of the Bishops’ Committee for Pastoral/Social, His Excellency Jaime Prieto Amaya, affirmed that peace is possible for Colombia. “It is especially significant and truly beautiful that we have come together in this Week for Peace, along with the representatives of various organizations who are fighting and working for the same goal,” he said. Bishop Prieto Amaya recalled that the theme for Peace Week contains many of the fundamental aspects needed for peace to come to Colombia.
“Peace and integral development cannot advance without respect for and enumeration of rights, the most important of them being the right to a life with dignity,” the Prelate said during the act that took place in the Bishops’ Headquarters in Bogota. He also mentioned 4 basic elements for this event: educate in reconciliation; pray for peace; seriously reflect on peace; and call all people on to building a society of peace. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 4/9/2008)
