Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - “We sincerely hope to enthusiastically carry out, in all the dioceses of Mexico, the Continental Permanent Mission as a pastoral program of action to revive, with the power of the Holy Spirit, the Christian life of Catholics and their commitment to offer, with faith, a dignified life for our people." Thus begins the concluding message of the 89th Plenary Assembly of the Bishops of Mexico.
In the note sent to Agenzia Fides, one immediately notes the clarity of the message on the situation being experienced by the Mexican people: "We carry in our hearts the variety of problems that affect our country, such as the overwhelming wave of violence and insecurity that has grown in the past several years in Mexico, and has increased in the number of victims, many of them innocent." (see Fides 14/04/2010)
"We are worried, too, about poverty and inequality, unemployment and low income, poor education and lack of opportunities, particularly for young people, but we see hopeful signs of a gradual economic recovery and a slight increase job," the bishops continue.
The central message of the bishops focuses on the testimony of priests: "The priesthood, as well as being a gift, is a task that we must live with humility and fidelity, as a service to make the merciful love of God reach everyone, especially the poor and suffering. It is just to recall that many priests live out their ministry in a heroic way, sometimes even amidst threats, poverty, violence, extortion, and assault. As a Church, we are grateful for their witness, discretion, and the generous gift of their lives, despite the difficulties. We invite everyone to renew their loyalty, encouraging ongoing conversion, to promote the confidence of our people."
The document published yesterday, April 15 is signed by Archbishop Carlos Aguiar Retes of Tlalnepantla and President of the CEM and Bishop Víctor René Rodríguez Gómez, Auxiliary Bishop of Texcoco and Secretary of the CEM. In Mexico, according to unofficial data, the surge of violence that exists in the country this year alone has about 3,000 violent deaths since the end of 2006 and more than 22,000 deaths. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 16/04/2010)
