Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Mexico sent a message to the people of Germany thanking them for dedicating this year’s Adveniat national Advent Campaign to Mexico and in particular to the issue of emigration. The theme of the Campaign is “Guide us on the path of Peace” (Lk 1,79)
The message reads: “On behalf of all Latin Americans, the people and the Bishops Conference we wish to express gratitude to the people of Germany. In Mexico we have experienced German generosity with economic aid and also the presence of priests and religious who left their own country to help with pastoral work. For example the diocese of Munster has been twinned with that of Tula for over 40 years”. Among the many difficulties in Mexico the message recalls emigration and the importance the Church gives to these people. At the beginning of the campaign the organisers visited Mexico to assess the situation.
Among those present at the Campaign launching in Münster, Mexican Bishop Luis Artemio Flores Calzato of the diocese of Valle de Chalco also national delegate for social pastoral and Caritas Mexico; Bishop Reinhard Lettmann of Münster; Mgr. Franz Grave, and Mgr. Bernard Klaschka, Adveniat director. The presentation included also data on the phenomenon of emigration in Mexico a major problem because of its geographical position and numerous border posts.
Poverty is the main cause of emigration, enormous gap between rich and poor, globalisation of trade, unequal subsidies, scarcity of stable jobs, extremely low pay, serious natural phenomena, poor living conditions. The National Human Rights Commission says emigrants are victims of extortion, violence and abuse.
The Church is close to the people involved with maternal concern, providing basic necessities, defending emigrants rights and dignity. According to available information there are 60 Centres for Emigrants in Mexico and 32 are run by the local Catholic Church or some Catholic Institution; 3 are state run and the remaining 25 are run by other groups or churches. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 12/12/2006; righe 33, parole 457)
