Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Montevideo (Fides Service) - “In this Year of the Eucharist we live the Eucharist as a path of solidarity because the present situation in our country calls for solidarity”. This was part of a statement issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Uruguay “Eucharist path of Solidarity - sharing communion starting from our ecclesial identity and criteria to discern lines of action”. The statement has an introduction and two parts: part one based on the Evangelium Vitae encyclical in which the Bishops indicate the main fields of action for the Catholics (identity, life, health, social and political activity, family, education, housing and emigration), part two suggests concrete action.
“In the Eucharist we learn, live and celebrate solidarity” the Bishops say recalling that when Pope John Paul II announced the Year of the Eucharist he encouraged Catholics to “make this Year of the Eucharist an occasion for diocesan and parish communities to commit themselves in a particular way to responding with fraternal solicitude to one of the many forms of poverty present in our world? (Ecclesia de Eucharistia 28) ”. Pope John Paul II says solidarity is “a service of charity” and never mere philanthropy. The Bishops suggest concrete, stable projects inspired by the Gospel to open new paths where they are most needed and where support is less. With regard to life they say “we must all be responsible for all life” and encourage discrete and effective programmes to assist mothers and children particularly the poor and the suffering.
With regard to health care they stress the need to care for the elderly and the terminally ill. to update care in hospitals, clinincs and nursing home and to promote respect for life threatened by abortion and euthanasia. Solidarity includes taking part in social and political life promoting participation of citizens with community organisations, NGOs etc.
The Document also speaks of the family: lamenting the absence of policies for the family the Bishops suggest a series of initiatives: promote social and legislative initiatives to guarantee conditions of authentic freedom with regard to parenthood; provide marriage and family counselling centres; guarantee pastoral service for emigrants and their families when they are separated. With regard to education they call for integral education and respect for parents’ right to choose the type of education they desire for the children in keep with the religious sentiments (Art. 68 of the Constitution). They make suggestions also for the field of labour, emigration since these have a direct impact on families and hence on society.
“Times of crisis must be times of solidarity” the Bishops said as they called the nation to work with faith and responsiblity to build a better future for the young and to bear witness through a life of austerity and solidarity to build together the Kingdom of God. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 28/7/2005 - Righe 41, Parole 560)
