Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - "The Eucharist as source of fraternity" is the theme of the message to the people of God that the Bishops of Bolivia issued at the conclusion of the Episcopal Conference Assembly (see Fides 07/11/2014). The text is divided into two parts, the Bishops propose a reflection of the Church (the first part) and a presentation of social challenges (in the second).
"There are cases which occur in our Bolivian society, especially on women, who are unjustly abandoned by their partners or victims of violence and abuse from their husbands or partners - says the message -. As a church we want to show our fraternal closeness to so many people who suffer, between unstable couples and families destroyed because of poverty and sin".
Referring to the upcoming American Missionary Congress, they hope: "Pope Francis reminds us that the Eucharist is necessary for the mission and that mission without fraternal communion is not possible. May the Spirit guide us in every Eucharist in the preparation work of the fifth American Missionary Congress and the X Latin American Missionary, (CAM5-COMLA10), to be held in Santa Cruz in 2018".
With regards to social services, the Bishops urge the authorities of the State "to comply with its duty to support these works for the poor". They reiterate the will to dialogue with the government: "We appreciate Pope Francis’ closeness to the people of Bolivia and the Church on the occasion of the participation of the President at the Forum of Popular Movements, when (the Pope) agreed to receive him in private, expressing confidence that this gesture will serve to improve relations with the Church. We hope that this meeting will lead to the coherent opening of a direct channel of dialogue with the Episcopal Conference, as we asked on previous occasions".
In the second part of the message, the Bishops expressed satisfaction regarding the growth of social inclusion in the country and the democratic participation of the people in political life. At the same time they recall the great challenges of the country and the government: public investments should give priority to the poor in the field of health care, social assistance, education and development. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 12/11/2014)
