AMERICA/ARGENTINA - Thanksgiving Mass in Corrientes, for the 30th anniversary of the Papal Mediation: “Chileans and Argentineans, by the grace of God, were able to escape from the shadows of an imminent and threatening war, with the hope of peace.”

Corrientes (Agenzia Fides) – Archbishop Andres Stanovnik of Corrientes (Argentina) presided a Mass in Thanksgiving for the 30th anniversary of the mediation effort made by Pope John Paul II in the conflict over the Beagle Canal, on December 21, at 8:30pm in “Nuestra Señora del Rosario” Cathedral. The Mass was concelebrated by all the priests of the Diocese of Corrientes.
In his homily, Archbishop Stanovnik said that “30 years ago Chileans and Argentineans, by the grace of God, were able to escape from the shadows of an imminent and threatening war, with the hope of peace that gave us all great joy.” The event was, in fact, completely a surprise as, “just hours beforehand, everything seemed headed towards war. However, John Paul II, the Messenger of Peace, surprised us with his intervention and changed our history.” Recalling some of the key moments in the historic controversy, which “has been a cause of permanent tensions between the two countries,” Archbishop Andres recalled that “on December 22, 1978, in the midst of extreme military tensions, when troops had already been sent to the border, and the two countries had determined to resolve the conflict through the use of arms, John Paul II made a historic gesture of peace, sending a mission to find a peaceful solution to the problem between Chile and Argentina.” Thanks to this mediation effort, “the process concluded on November 29, 1984, when the Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed between Chile and Argentina in Rome.”
Later recalling the Message from the Holy Father Benedict XVI sent to the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, upon the occasion of this anniversary, he affirmed that “thirty years after its occurrence, the Beagle mediation effort continues to be an admirable example of the construction of peace through the principle and ever-relevant manner of dialogue.”
“Peace is a gift from God, not a human accomplishment,” the Archbishop said. Thus, “today we wish to thank God for the gift of peace between Chileans and Argentineans, and reaffirm our conviction that the path of conflict dehumanizes relationships among nations.” Thus, we need to “educate and promote all acts, works, and means of social friendship, cooperation, and integration among our peoples.”
“The approaching feast of Christmas reminds us that the Lord is near. Let us not grow anxious for any reason, as Saint Paul says, let us pray, in thanksgiving and presenting our petitions to God. Thus, the peace of God, which surpasses our every thought, will guard every heart and thought in Christ Jesus,” Archbishop Stanovnik concluded.
The Argentinean Bishops' Conference will hold a Mass today, December 22, in thanksgiving in the Basilica of Lujan. The Mass will be presided by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio and will be attended by all the nation's bishops. Chile will also hold a Mass in the Shrine of Maipu, concelebrated by the Bishops. (RG) (Agencia Fides 22/12/2008)