Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lima (Agenzia Fides) - “Dear brothers and sisters, in this anniversary of our homeland, from our faith in God the Creator we wish to affirm our hope in the capacities of Peruvians and we call for everyone's participation in establishing a Peru that grows in humanity with clarity and truth,” says Archbishop Hector Miguel Cabrejos Vidarte, OFM of Trujillo, President of the Peruvian Bishops' Conference, in his message on the occasion of the celebrations for the homeland.
First of all, he recalls the fact that a “time of social tensions and uncertainty has passed, which we respond to by stressing the importance of dialogue and the uselessness of violence.” Thus, he mentions that we should “continue journeying towards progress that is more complete and integral, and will be made possible through upright men and political and economic functionaries who perceive the call to the common good in their conscience.” Thus, he encourages all “to act wherever we are, considering the progress of all people, in favor of a much more inclusive path that closes the door to the inequalities still present.”
“On our path towards progress, let us never forget that the first profit must be for man, that is, the person in his entirety. For the Church, this is an indefeasible mission, as is every man's duty in promoting his own progress and that of others.” This also implies that “economic options, which Peru has entered into with success, do not increase inequalities that our morally unacceptable, as we have said, and work opportunities for all are truly sought.” He also mentioned, in this regards, that “the economy needs ethical norms for its proper functioning; not just any ethical norms, but those that are sensitive to the needs of the person.”
Another important point in promoting progress and development in the homeland is “to work in favor of life and the family,” as “the openness to life that should always be defended is at the center of true progress.”
“We should continue offering the younger generations the beauty of the family, marriage, and its harmony with the deepest demands of the heart and the dignity of the human person. In Peru, the wealth of family life is very great and thus, we should care for our families,” the President of the Bishops' Conference said.
He then sent out a special greeting to all the compatriots outside Peru, many of them being immigrants. The Message concludes with an invocation to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking that they “grant us strength, hope, and joy in working for the progress of each and every Peruvian.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 31/7/2009)
