Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) - “During this Assembly, we have prayed, exchanged thoughts, and reflected in depth, aware of the fact that the situation in Latin America and Venezuela is very serious. We reaffirm what we have said on previous occasions, in light of the serious problems we are facing.” This is what is read in an Exhortation issued by the Bishops of Venezuela at the close of their Plenary Assembly celebrated July 7-11, which was entitled “May you live in the truth and love of Christ.”
The Bishops of Venezuela began by expressing their sentiments of solidarity with Honduras in the political crisis that they are experiencing, praying to the Lord, “that the people of Honduras may encounter reconciliation through dialogue, healing of their wounds, and the path of democratic process, without unilateral pressures of any kind, respecting the sovereignty of the country.”
They later showed their concern for the situation following the referendum of February 15, 2009, in which there is an “accelerated arbitrary and unilateral imposition of the draft bill of socialism of the 21 Century, which disrespects the will of the people, what is found in the Constitution of Venezuela, and the real and free participation of the citizens.”
According to the Prelates, “the lack of knowledge of the authorities elected last year, allowed them to modify their own autonomy with legal changes that violate the Constitution, contrary to the equality that should reign among all the elected, who have the same rights and obligations.” Thus, they make a call for all to be attentive “in facing the discussion of laws that widely effect the responsible use of freedom among citizens and their families and upright social procedures; in particular, in terms of education, gender equality, social property and all that refers to the freedom of expression and information.” They recall that “for the elaboration of laws, all society without any exclusions must be consulted.” On these subjects, the Bishops also issued several documents at the close of the Assembly.
In the text, the Bishops also recalled their Ad limina visit this past June 1-19. They say the visit “has deeply strengthened us in our episcopal ministry, in the fraternity among us as bishops, our communion with the Successor of Peter, and in our service to our people in defense and promotion of fundamental human rights.” “We bring the blessing and words of encouragement offered by His Holiness” - the Bishops said - “in which he invites us to take up our pastoral labor in the midst of many challenges which are increasingly more difficult. The Holy Father encouraged us to cultivate a greater affective and effective communion among us, to pay special attention to the priests, to take particular interest in the seminarians, and to illumine and promote the participation of the laity, called to place an order in their temporal duties so that they can respond to the loving plan of God. He also entrusted those who are in need to our care, increasing the many initiatives at the service of the poor.”
As for the Year for Priests, they recall that “it begins under the sign of continuity of the Year of Saint Paul and the much needed deepened reflection on our own priestly identity and the mission as an urgent need of our time.” In Venezuela, it will have “a clearly vocational character.” They conclude the text by asking Our Lady to protect everyone “and lead us to reconciliation and understanding as a nation, so that we may work together in truth and love of Christ.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2009)
