AMERICA/MEXICO - “Discover the guiding hand of God in history”

Morelia (Agenzia Fides) – The Archbishop of Morelia, Archbishop Alberto Suarez Inda, has proposed a reflection on the situation of today's Mexico on the occasion of the celebration of the Bicentennial of Independence. In opening the letter, a copy of which was sent to Fides, the Archbishop revisits some of his earlier affirmations. "Some have been surprised by my words about it being a 'sin of omission' if the Church remained silent or on the sidelines in this bicentennial celebration, but a people without memory is in danger of losing its identity.
We, as Christians, should discover the guiding hand of God in history, says the Archbishop. In the light of faith we see God guiding the events along a path of salvation. Before the 'fathers of this country' there was the event of Guadalupe, with which the Blessed Mother has inspired and accompanied Mexico at all times. Our Lady of Guadalupe is not only the protector of the nation, but the one who played a role in the formation of an independent country. "For a Catholic, it is necessary that we give thanks to God for these 200 years, especially for freedom, which is a gift from God and a goal that must again be striven for with effort and generosity. The painful situation that Mexico lives - continues the Archbishop – must lead us to act with wisdom and responsibility in responding to the challenges of poverty, a deteriorating society, and violence. We entrust ourselves to the Lord and the protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe to continue working for justice and peace."
The Catholic Church in Mexico, through its bishops, issued a pastoral letter on September 1 entitled: "Commemorating the History of our Faith, to Work in Building Our Country Today" on the occasion of the Bicentennial of Mexican Independence. It is a document that in 50 pages tells the story of a suffering people of faith, an example of Marian and missionary devotion throughout the continent. (CE) (Agenzia Fide 06/09/2010)