Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Jose (Agenzia Fides) - “Enlivened by Hope” is the title of the message that was issued by the Costa Rican Bishops' Conference at the close of their first Plenary Assembly of 2009.
The Bishops open their message by making reference to several of the natural disasters that the country has suffered in the pasta year, such as the flooding and Cinchona earthquake, acknowledging the generous response of the people of Costa Rica. Likewise, the Church has taken an active role in responding to these emergencies and all the local parishes opened their doors to the authorities, offering the parish buildings to be used in meeting the needs of the victims and assisting them with food, clothing, medicine, etc. On a national level, the Church organized a special collection. Caritas also “designed a plan for reorganization in distribution and production, to reach out to more people.”
Secondly, the Bishops show their concern for two significant events regarding the world economy. The first, is the food crisis, “which in our country revealed a heavy dependence on external production.” The second, is the world crisis that “has implied less growth in the national economy this year, which will lead to a decrease in employment,” which will, in turn, place many families in a state of uncertainty as to their future.
This situation, the Bishops say, leads us to reflect on two important aspects: first, “the need to strengthen and execute a stronger policy of social investment” and secondly, “promote employment.” In light of the upcoming elections, the Bishops make an appeal to all political parties, asking that they “avoid excessive spending in their campaigns, especially during this time of economic crisis, as it can lead to mistrust among citizens.” They also ask that their proposals “punctually respond to the demands of the common good...that they avoid promises that cannot be fulfilled and that they avoid offending or attacking one another.” They ask citizens to participate “actively and responsibly in the democratic process” and take the time to inform themselves as to the policies being proposed by each party.
Lastly, the Bishops mention the Continental Mission to take place in Costa Rica, which will form an important part of the pastoral programs of the dioceses. With this mission, they hope to “awaken and strengthen individuals, families, and communities in their encounter with the Living Christ, who calls all of us in the Church to be disciples and missionaries who are converted, convinced, and committed.” Thus, they mention the importance of “pastoral conversion in structures and means of evangelization.” They also seek “to make a special emphasis on Social Ministry, living charity and the compassionate attitude of the Good Shepherd, as an expression of conversion.” In order to achieve this end, they ask all the faithful to pray and call on the Holy Spirit with great frequency, as He is the Lord and Giver of Life, Spirit of Truth, and because “no evangelization will be possible without the action of the Holy Spirit.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 2/3/2009)
