Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santa Cruz (Agenzia Fides) - Cardinal Julio Sandoval Terrazas, Archbishop of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, during the main celebration of the National Day of Migrants, celebrated on Sunday 9 in Santa Cruz (see Fides 07/09/2012), recalled the situation in which migrants and refugees live in Bolivia: "Many people come or go away to seek a better life situation, but many times their dignity is not respected."
"We must open ourselves to the problems of our migrant brothers and sisters - the Cardinal said in his homily - we are talking about those who have come to search life and, thank God, Santa Cruz has responded generously to them by opening spaces. We must continue to do so with respect for all people. We must be able to receive all, but also to correct defects that there may be in some who claim at any cost to possess a bit of land," continued Cardinal Terrazas. "There are people who are persecuted or forced to flee from their country, and they come looking for a space of freedom. God is with us and also encourages these brothers and sisters in situations in which only hope remains."
According to the note sent to Fides Agency by the Bolivian Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Terrazas, in the conclusion of his homily, urged the community to welcome everyone, but also criticized those who invade the lands of private or public property in order to steal it. "We agree with the migrants, but we cannot bless the invasions of lands: the law must be applied, we want those who are persecuted in their countries to be able to enjoy here true and unconditional freedom, but they must feel part of our society" concluded Cardinal Terrazas. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 11/09/2012)
