AMERICA/GUATEMALA - “Hurricane Stan left destruction and death and revealed the failings of our selfish economic and social policies. What importance have we given to meeting the urgent needs of the poor?” Statement by Catholic Bishops

Saturday, 15 October 2005

Guatemala City (Fides Service) - “Guatemala lives in grief and suffering, thousands of ordinary men, women and children have been affected by Hurricane Stan and damage to the country’s production system makes the situation of emergency even worse”. This was part of a statement United in Solidarity issued by the Catholic Bishops of Guatemala on 14 October.
The Bishops say that in these days of widespread suffering there have been acts of heroism by people who went searching for missing brothers and sisters in need: “We saw the solidarity of individuals, families, groups committed to helping those in need. Many parishes are helping the homeless. The generosity of our people shines above all at times like these”.
The Bishops thank the people and encourage them to continue this work of solidarity and to be united to save human lives and bring the necessary aid. They encourage Catholics to provide besides material assistance, also courage and hope and awareness that help arrives from other countries, but it comes first of all from God and with his help Guatemala will survive this tragedy: “We must encourage people and build bonds of brotherhood, the mark of the disciples of Jesus” . In this perspective the Bishops underline the need to create more jobs, to renew conversion and consolidate faith in the ability to look to the future with confidence: “The private sector and public institutions must help to rebuild life in all forms to construct a society after the heart of God”.
The Bishops say Hurricane Stan left destruction and death and revealed the failings of our selfish economic and social policies. And they ask: “We must all examine our conscience to see if our action is in keeping with the commandment to love. What importance have we given to meeting the urgent needs of the poor?”
At the end of the statement the Bishops express gratitude for messages of solidarity from Pope Benedict XVI and from other Bishops’ Conferences. They also praise efforts made by the media, state authorities and other institutions to assist the victims. (RZ) (Agenzia Fides 15/10/2005, righe 31, parole 414)


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