Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, Archbishop of Santa Cruz de la Sierra and President of the Bolivian Bishops' Conference, was recently in Rome for a short stay and a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. Among the pastoral duties of the Primate Bolivia was his participation in the XXIV Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Laity on the theme: "Witnesses of Christ in the Political Community,” on the role of Catholics in public life, which was held from May 20-22. The Holy Father, who received the participants in an audience, mentioned that "the technical formation of politicians certainly does not enter the mission of the Church. In fact, there are several institutions with this objective. However, her mission is "to give moral judgment also on things that pertain to the political order, when this is required by the fundamental rights of the person and the salvation of souls.”
Cardinal Terrazas gave the Pope a "triptych" of the Continental Mission: a work of art carved in wood with paintings that depict moments of Jesus life. The work was done by young people of Postrervalle.
After the audience with the Pope, the Cardinal told the press that "the meeting with the Pope is always rewarding. Especially for those of us who come from afar. It was, first of all, an experience of Church, faith, adherence to all that he teaches us, and even a listening experience, seeing the Holy Father's concerns and desires that our Latin American continent be rejuvenated by the Continental Mission, which is one of the points that the Pope is following with great concern and hope."
The Archbishop of Santa Cruz de la Sierra said that the Continental Mission began last Sunday with the Solemnity of Pentecost. It has now initiated the stage of exploration of the main themes of the Mission throughout the country. Cardinal Terrazas, during his stay in Rome, has also participated in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Parish of “San Giovanni Battista de Rossi,” which under his title and which is the parish of the Bolivian community of Rome. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 29/05/2010)
