Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Valencia (Agenzia Fides) - Bishop Orlando Antonio Corrales García, of the diocese of Palmira in Colombia is one of the numerous bishops in Valencis for the 5th World Meeting for Families. Fides asked him what impression he has of the event.
Bishop Garcia how do you see the situation of the family?
There are many shadows and difficulties, as it is emerging from the Theological-pastoral Congress taking place here. But at the same time we see great efforts being made to support families. In my diocese of Palmira, in Colombia, we support a Family Counselling Centre with the help of the Pontifical Bolivian University. Much is being done all over Colombia to intensifying courses of preparation for marriage to strengthen families and homes.
How can the Congress help in the present context?
I think these are things everyone knows, but they must be underlined because the family makes the person, for better or for worse, in different aspects of life, especially in education to the faith. Not all families teach the faith to the children, but those who do teach Christian values obtain good results. In this sense the theme of the congress is important and urgent in the world and for Latin American countries in particular.
What is the significance of the Pope’s visit to Spain in the present situation ?
I place great hope in this visit. First of all it will strengthen Catholics and all those who follow the Church’s teaching with regard to the family. It is important to strengthen families who want to live as John Paul II urged "The Gospel of the Family and Life". I hope Pope Benedict XVI’s voice will give Spaniards and everyone strength to continue to work in the respective countries to support families.
I cannot say whether the visit will have an impact on people with different ideas who want to give the status of marriage between a man and woman to unmarried couples and even to same sex unions. Let us hope the Pope’s presence and words will make them think more deeply and realise that the Church does not discriminate against anyone, she simply defends the sacred, human essence of marriage. Rather than limiting the life of people it is a question of opening life to broader horizons. (JO/RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/7/2006)
