Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santo Domingo (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops’ COnference of the Dominican Republic has published a 3-volume anthology of the “Documents from Bishops of the Dominican Republic” issued between 1955-2006, including pastoral letters, messages, and statements, which Financial Secretary Daniel Toribio considers to be a collection of texts that form “a true patrimony for the people of the Dominican Republic.” The volumes are arranged in the following manner: Volume 1: 1955-1990; Volume 2: 1991-1997; and Volume 3: 1998-2006.
According to the Financial Secretary, “the Church’s presence in certain historical moments for the people of the Dominican Republic is the expression of her wise form of action and her capacity to be aware of the changing times and listen to the heart of God to know how to react.”
“With this publication, the Reserve Bank is making a significant contribution to society, in placing these guiding words of the Church at the disposal of scholars, politicians, men of faith, theologians, teachers, researchers, and the general public,” Toribio explained in the presentation of the work, which took place in the “Casa San Pablo” in the presence of Cardinal Nicholas Lopez Rodriguez and other members of the Church hierarchy. “These documents,” he said, “can serve as a guide for exalting the most important values of our people.”
Bishop Ramon Benito de la Rosa y Carpio, former Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference, explained that this work “faithfully conveys the sentiment and concern for the human person, apostolic zeal, social and moral traits of religion...through the various historical moments that our country has lived, since the beginning of the Conference of Bishops up until today.” Bishop Francisco Jose Arnaiz, also a former Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference, said that “faithful to their mission, the Bishops of the Dominican Republic have not hesitated or been afraid to speak out. They have always done so when it was necessary or convenient. The people of the Dominican Republic know this and have shown their openness and appreciation.” The times have not always been easy, Bishop Arnaiz explained, and for this reason, the Bishops’ documents have a strong testimonial value. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2008)
