Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tegucigalpa (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Honduras has published a message at the close of their Ordinary Assembly held February 9-12, during which they approved several of the conclusions from the National Pastoral Assembly held at the end of January.
According to these conclusions, the Bishops have proposed several goals for 2009, including: more intense RCIA processes and permanent formation in parishes; the construction of parishes that are dynamic, evangelizing, active in charitable works, etc.; promote family and youth apostolate; continue reflecting on the Aparecida Document and live the Continental Mission with intense fervor (the Mission will begin on May 31, Pentecost). They also show their satisfaction at the “growth in missionary spirit and communion, as the criteria for formation become more unified among the dioceses and parishes.”
However, they also express their concern for the many problems in the country, such as the instability that affects the areas of health, education, economy, politics, and the violence that continues to claim so many victims. The education, the Bishops say, is suffering a great deterioration “for lack of resources, continuous tensions, and school drop-outs.”
The Bishops are also concerned for the “global economic crisis that is affecting our weak economy.” Thus, they ask the government, private businesses, and the other active forces in the country “to take the necessary urgent measures in alleviating this situation that has still not touched rock bottom,” recalling that “all of us should make the necessary sacrifices in raising our weak economy.” They ask priests, parishes, and communities to “take greater care in preparing themselves in this economic crisis, in order to increase solidarity, both in the supportive aspect as well as in the productive.
In response to the recent elections of the new Supreme Court, the Prelates ask that “justice be imparted free from the political conditioning, and that they exercise their power for the good of the country, protecting life, honor, and goods for all, especially for those most in need.”
“These critical moments teach us to value what is lasting, what has eternal worth. We should pray with faith and not lose hope. United to the Lord, we will overcome any negative reality,” the Message says. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 23/2/2009)
