AMERICA/BOLIVIA - Themes for the Plenary Assembly begun on April 23: structural adjustments of the Conference, launching of the Continental Mission, and analysis of the country's situation

Friday, 24 April 2009

Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Bolivia began their 87th Plenary Assembly yesterday, April 23, with an opening address from Cardinal Julio Terrazas, President of the Bishops' Conference.
The Cardinal began his address by recalling the recent events “that have not only marked the life of our people, but also of the Church. They are events with both positive and negative aspects, some of which are disturbing, as is the case of the events of recent days, which present new challenges to the country and the evangelizing mission of the Church.”
They are events that the Cardinal himself has lived personally in his health difficulties and the many attacks he has received in recent months, including the recent attack on his home (see Fides 16/4/2009).
“Having said this, I must also comment the gestures and expressions of solidarity that I have received from you all and from so many other people and institutions. These have reminded me of the Lord's comforting presence.”
Among the goals that have been proposed by the Bishops for their Assembly, the Cardinal began by recalling “the structural adjustments within our Conference, so that we can better respond to the new challenges being presented by our current culture. In this manner, our services will reflect the apostolic concern of the Church, lived in communion and corresponsibility.” Secondly, there is the task of finalizing the details for the launching of the Permanent Mission. “With the theme: 'Bolivia listens, learns, and announces!' the mission should reach out to every corner of the country,” the Prelate said. “Being missionaries here and now means bearing witness to our faith in the One Lord Jesus Christ, with the firm conviction that no one can take God out of our hearts, out of our lives or out of the lives of our people.” Lastly, the Bishops will seek to “observe the entire situation of the country in which we have been given the task of building the Lord's Kingdom.”
According to the Cardinal, in the midst of these situations, “the profound yearnings of our people, for peace through dialogue and understanding, emerge.” However, these desires must confront the recent events that have caused disturbance among the public. “No one in Bolivia can condone open corruption, the disproportionate increase of the commercialization of drugs and events derived from organized terrorism.” He then makes a appeal to common sense, objectivity, and transparency for clarifying the facts and taking appropriate measures with laws “for the good of the people and to remove any suspicions or doubts that lead to more tension and division.”
The Cardinal concluded his message by entrusting “all the work we will be doing during these days to the first disciple and missionary of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
During the celebration of the 87th Plenary Assembly, on April 26, there will be a launching of the Permanent Mission in Bolivia, in the city of Cochabamba, in the presence of all the Bishops, representatives, and delegates from all the Church jurisdictions. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 24/4/2009)


Share: