Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – The Archbishop of Caracas, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, invites all to “work for peace and fight against violence” in Venezuela, adding that this requirement, “is expected of all Christians, regardless of their political sympathies, but in particular of State officials, who have the constitutional duty to ensure our personal and financial security.”
The appeal of Cardinal Urosa is part of his Christmas message: “Peace on earth, solidarity and fight against violence”, published by the Information Office of the Archdiocese of Caracas. The message invites all Venezuelans to “to fight against the anti-culture of death that is manifested in drugs and hatred, in the crime that bathes the streets in the blood of our beloved Caracas.” This is why he particularly urges State officials to perform this task. “I invite you, I urge you to fulfil this obligation.”
The Cardinal also calls for assistance for the thousands of homeless families in Venezuela. “Working for peace means solidarity, and actually helping the victims.” He therefore reiterated the call he made on 5 December “to work with generosity and effectiveness, to help all those who have been affected by the rains.” To this end he suggested that, once emergency aid to help the victims has finished, the great job of rebuilding the affected areas will begin and also there will be issues to resolve in relation to food, housing and roads.
The message ends with an invitation to celebrate Christmas with a “truly Christian” attitude, ie eliminating superstition and false beliefs about the spirit of Christmas, and living our faith and our union with God as the way to true happiness.” (CE) (Agenzia Fides 15/12/2010)
