Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quito (Agenzia Fides) – Archbishop Raul Vera Chiriboga of Quito (Ecuador) sent a letter to all the priests of the Diocese asking for prayers for the coming referendum, which will prove immensely significant for the country’s future, as citizens will decide on a new draft of the Constitution. The Archbishop reminds the people that “for Catholics, this decision should be enlightened by the Word of God and the Social Doctrine of the Church. It is a decision that requires reflection before confrontation.” Following the example of Jesus, great decisions should always be preceded by prayer.
Thus, he asks that the priests encourage their faithful “to intensify their prayer to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, during these days and that they pray especially for respect to life as a gift from God and a primary right, for the family as the domestic church and foundation of society, and for respect for every person.” He also asks that the campaigns the Ecuadorians carry out may “be done with total respect for all people, that they may confront the truth and that hate may dissipate.” He asks that on September 14, Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Cross, a special Mass may be said in all Churches and religious communities for these intentions, and that on the eve of the feast, or on the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, there be prayer vigils held. “We are counting on the active, enthusiastic, and apostolic participation of the Archdiocesan Counsel of Laity and the various Lay Movements that have had the initiative to organize daily visits to the Blessed Sacrament, the recitation of the Rosary, praying the Angelus, and fasting on the Fridays of this month. With this, our fraternal spirit will increase,” Archbishop Raul said.
The President of the Counsel of Catholic Laity of Quito (CELCA-Q), Christian Bakker, has sent a statement out to all the lay Catholic groups of the Archdiocese, asking that they participate in and support the acts that will take place in the parishes on September 13, 14, and 15, especially the vigils to be held on the 13 and 14, the Masses for peace and families, and the recitation of the Rosary and visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
Ecuador is experiencing moments of great tension in recent weeks, especially between the Church and the government, which is what led the Bishops’ Conference to restate in mid-August, during the Third American Missionary Congress (CAM 3), what they had already expressed in a statement on July 28 (see Fides 29/7/2008). On this occasion, the Bishops recalled that if they make such declarations, it is “because it is the Church’s duty always and everywhere to proclaim moral principles, even in reference to social order, as well as give its judgement regarding any human affair, to the degree in which it concerns the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls.” Thus, in fulfilling their mission, they hope to “shed light on reality through the Word of God, so that Catholics and men of good will can, after having been well-informed, make a conscientious, free, and voluntary vote.”
The Archbishop of Quito also sent a statement signed by himself and his Auxiliary Bishops in which he expresses his full adhesion to the statement the Bishops issued on July 28. In light of the growing tensions surrounding this upcoming referendum that will decide on whether or not the new Constitution is adopted, they recall that “the common good affects everyone’s lives. It demands prudence of the part of each one, and even more so for those who exercise authority.” Authority “is needed for creating unity in society. Its mission consists in assuring the common good of society,” “they should work disinterestedly, not seeking their own satisfaction or that of their own group or party, but rather the good of all” and “they should equally hear opinions from those who support them as well from those who do not.”
During the celebration of CAM 3, thousands of Catholics expressed their unconditional support for the Ecuadorian Bishops, especially Archbishop Antonio Arregui, President of the Bishops’ Conference, who has received several threats. The faithful offered their prayer to God “that the Church may be respected in her right and freedom to defend the fundamental values of the human person, such as the right to life, marriage, the family, and freedom of education.”
The main leaders of the Evangelical community in Ecuador have also met with Archbishop Antonio Arregui to express their support for the Catholic Church before the controversial plan for the new Constitution being promoted by the government. “We wish to express our sincerest support for all your work in defense of life and the family in Ecuador,” they said. “We not only support your work, but we wish to unify ourselves to your statement, which contains the thought of the Church and of the Christian people of Ecuador.”
The Constitution being promoted by the President will be subject to a referendum on September 28 of this year. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 9/9/2008)
