Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) – Reach peace through “pardon, social justice, solidarity, and reconciliation” is the main goal of the 16th Week for Peace, which will be held on a national level in Colombia beginning this Sunday, September 6 and lasts until the following Sunday. The initiative, which is sponsored by the National Secretariat of Pastoral and Social Ministry (SNPS/Caritas Colombia), will be entitled: “I live for life...do you?” and will focus on “the defense and protection of life,” as is read in the document sent out by the Communications Department of the Colombian Bishops' Conference (CEC).
It is a “proposal for the education and movilization of Colombian society, so that citizens may contribute in a responsible manner, through their life and work, in the struggle for peace.” As is the custom every year, it is suggested that “ecclesiastical jurisdictions, parishes, and groups organize Masses, conventions, educational days, cultural events, marches, and other initiatives for reflecting on the theme that has been chosen.”
In his address during the press conference presenting the Week, the Secretary General of the CEC, Bishop Juan Vicente Cordoba Villota, affirmed that “there is no peace and there can be no progress towards peace without justice.” The Director of SNPS/Caritas Colombia, Monsignor Hector Fabio Henao Gaviria, also touched upon this same theme, saying that true peace is only possible through care, promotion, and defense of life: “peace should be the highest estimation of life.” (GT) (Agenzia Fides 3/9/2009)
