AMERICA/BOLIVIA - “We have heard the cry of our people asking for peace” the Bishop say urging all to “work together to build the new Bolivia as we want it and to which we have a right ”

La Paz (Fides Service) - “Do not be afraid! Jesus is Risen” is the title of a statement issued on 13 April by the Catholic Bishops of Bolivia at the end of their 80th annual plenary assembly. In the wake of the Easter announcement of Christ’s victory over death, the Bishops reflect on the serious problems which continue to grip the country and urge the people to continue to have hope. The statement has 7 chapters: Easter; the Pope has gone to the house of the Father; Appeal to young people; towards the constituent Assembly; persisting tensions; constructive attitudes; let us live in hope”.
Recalling the death of the Pope with deep emotion, the Bishops say “he has left us an eternal legacy of fidelity to God, the Church and mankind. Fidelity born and strengthened by the encounter with the living Jesus Christ in prayer, in the Eucharist and in filial devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary”. In this way the Pope “is now a bright sign and sure reference not only for the Church but for all humanity in search of horizons of life and hope”. The Bishops point out that the Church needs its young members to build a church which is more dynamic, liberating and missionary urging them to join parish groups and movements of apostolate, not to be afraid to welcome a call to the priestly, religious or missionary life, and to prepare seriously to build a better Bolivia and meet the country’s many and serious needs of with original solutions.
With regard to the country’s problems (economic crisis, free trade agreement, situation of land and water, autonomy, elections of prefects etc) the Bishop say that not enough progress has been made to find solutions, on the contrary things have worsened and the country’s democracy and unity are in serious danger.
“As we come into contact with our people in our pastoral work we have heard the cry for a country of peace and a return to normal daily life; at the same time it is indispensable to find possible and real solutions to other national problems”. It is the duty of everyone to work to change this negative panorama- the Bishops say - “and this means putting aside attitudes of verbal and physical violence, intransigence, radicalism, selfishness, and media sensationalism”. It is necessary to build a climate of unity at the service of the common good, tolerance, respect for others, harmony, collaboration of all, confidence in our own ability and in that of others. The statement closes with the words with which Pope John Paul II began his pontificate: “Do not be afraid, open the doors to Christ!”. “These words - the Bishops write - prompt us to open our hearts and minds to the Risen Christ who gives us the certain hope that goodness and life will prevail over evil and death. But they also call us to work together with confidence to build a new Bolivia as we want it and to which we have a right”. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 15/4/2005; righe 36, parole 530)