Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - The past year has been difficult for the Dominican Republic. Last September a serious earthquake caused much damage especially in two dioceses including Santiago de los Caballeros. The quake was followed by terrible floods on May 24 effecting mostly the town of Jimaní. "It was the worst calamity in the history of the country" Archbishop Ramón Benito de la Rosa y Carpio of Santiago de los Caballeros told Fides. "However it must be said that the tragedy gave rise to amazing solidarity. Every diocese was involved in providing aid and assistance and we also received much aid from abroad. The local Church did a wonderful job. Now we face the challenge of continuing to support the region and help the people not only to rebuild their homes and work places but above all their lives. We fear that the arrival of aid will slacken just as the most difficult months approach ”.
There is another challenge in the Dominican Republic: economic difficulties following the closing of three banks, which went bankrupt with serious consequences for the whole country. The standard of living in general has fallen and the middle class is now poorer. "The local Church has always been close to the people and the nation in difficult times and situations - Bishop Benito explained. “Today we know we must be close to the people to preserve hope. Every year we choose a slogan. This year the slogan is: ‘It is time to give each other a hand; it is time for hope’, and this hope is based on love and solidarity”.
The Archbishop of Santiago de los Caballeros, who received the Pallium from Pope John Paul II on June 29, speaking to Fides about the situation of the Church in the Dominican Republic, described it as follows: "The Church is dynamic, with active participation of the laity and persons of consecrated life and a strong desire for growth and formation. As an institution it enjoys the most credibility. The presence of the Church in society functions through a Commission formed 20 years ago, the National Dialogue Commission co-ordinated by a priest appointed by the Bishops’ Conference. The Commission is one of the best institutions in the country and it has solved numerous problems and difficulties. As I said before the Catholic Bishops have always accompanied the reality of the country”.
At the moment the Church in Colombia is working on a 3rd National Pastoral Plan. "This is a very interesting experience which began in 1983 as part of preparations for the 500th anniversary of our Evangelisation- the Archbishop explained. The 1st National Pastoral Plan united the Church and now the 3rd Pastoral Plan consists of general guidelines, which each diocese applies according to its situation. To reach an ideal model we examine the situation in the Church and in society and try to find suitable solutions.”
"My archdiocese - Archbishop Ramón Benito concludes - is the most evangelised region of the Dominican Republic, with the highest number of vocations. It is a region strong and active in the faith. My main objective is to help this reality to bear ever more fruit and make us ever more missionary. I also intend to help the lay people to bear witness to the faith in all sectors of society”. (R.G.) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2004 - Righe: 43; Parole: 632)
