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Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Rodolfo Quezada Toruño, Archbishop of Guatemala, has asked the faithful of his Archdiocese to participate in a Peace Walk being organized by the Archdiocese of Guatemala, in protest for the violence that has broken out in the country. “Every January 1, the Holy See celebrates the World Day of Peace and this year, Pope Benedict XVI has chosen the theme ‘Fighting Poverty to Build Peace,’ and thus, in support of this message, we will apply it on January 10, in light of the serious situation of poverty and violence in our country,” the Cardinal said. The activity will be attended by faithful from the 143 parishes of the Archdiocese of Guatemala and the ecumenical churches. The Cardinal says that the walk will be a chance to spread awareness of the need for peace in Gautemala, demonstrating the absurudity of violence and the importance of a change of attitude among Guatemalans in building a peaceful coexistence based upon justice and solidarity.
The walk will begin at 2pm, from 4 different starting points, all leading to the main city streets and eventually converging in the Consitutional Square in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral. At the end of the Walk, there will be a Mass and a message in favor of peace and against violence.
The Archbishop of Guatemala has expressed his concern for the high crime rate present on a daily basis in the country. “In the Alta Verapaz tragedy, a most unfortunate event, 38 people lost their lives. And yet, every two and a half days the same number of people die from criminal offenses,” he said. In fact, the crime rate in Guatemala has seen a considerable increase in 2008, with a rise in kidnappings, homicides, and massacres linked to illegal drug trade. The reported number of kidnappings doubled last year. Victims include drivers, families, and businessmen, some of whom were killed upon refusing to hand over money. In 2008, there were over 6,000 violent deaths. Moreover the incursion of armed groups from Mexico related to drug-trafficking led to massacres over land disputes.
Several parish priests in the city, who are helping to finish up to the final touches on organization of the event, have also denounced the violence in the country. “In response to the violence we are experiencing, there is a lot of fear and the people feel threatened. The least we can do is call upon God and protest, but also come together and celebrate a Mass in brotherhood,” said Fr. Hugo Estrada, pastor of Divine Providence Church. (RG) (Agencia Fides 8/1/2009)
