Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - “Justice and Solidarity for the bicentennial anniversary 2010-2016. Political culture, equality, integral development.” This is the theme chosen for the 12th Day for Pastoral-Social Ministry which will take place on Saturday, September 19, at the Shrine “San Cayetano de Liniero” in Buenos Aires. The aim of the Day will be “to reflect together and renew our commitment to evangelization in social relationships,” in preparation for the Bicentenary, the presentation of the initiative explains.
The text also contains passages from the Bishops' Document written at the close of the 96th Plenary Assembly of the Argentinean Bishops' Conference (CEA) of August 14, 2008, where it says that “the task of the Argentinean people is above all, a social one” and its solution is not merely an “economic or statistical question.” It is mainly a “moral problem that involves our deepest dignity and requires a greater civil commitment.” Results can be obtained on the path of dialogue and consensus in favor of the common good, only if “we take into special consideration the poorest and most marginalized of our brethren.”
As the program for the Day said, the workshops will be opened by Bishop Jorge Casaretto, President of the Bishops' Commission for Pastoral-Social Ministry, which will present the document “Justice and Solidarity on the Bicentennial Anniversary.” There will be two panels in the morning on “In preparation for the bicentennial 2010-2016: Political culture, equality, integral development” and another two in the afternoon, on “An historical challenge: public policies for eradicating poverty and integral development” and “A challenge for political leaders: values and risks.” The Day will end with a Mass presided by the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Cardinal Jorge M. Bergoglio.
The initiative is especially geared towards pastoral workers (priests, religious, and laity), political representatives and leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, university students, and all those who work for the development of society. The Day of Pastoral-Social Ministry has been taking place since 1988, organized by the Department for Pastoral-Social Ministry of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires and is “an opportunity for encounter, dialogue, and reflection.” Over the course of the years, various themes have been addressed and important scholars and special guests from society have offered their contributions. (GT) (Agenzia Fides 17/9/2009)
