Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Leon (Agenzia Fides) - In a special Christmas Message addressed to the diocese of León, Archbishop José G. Martin Rabago says that Christmas celebrations are a “wonderful opportunity to evangelise on the great values of the family” and that “despite commercial deformation Christmas is still the feast of the Family”. In the message signed also by Auxiliary Bishop Juan Frausto Pallares, the Archbishop explains that Christmas is "the celebration of God’s plan who comes to share our mortal life, our humility and our littleness".
Analysing the situation of the family in the diocese, the Bishops note that most people still preserve the precious Christian roots. However, the Bishops say, "with realism, we are aware of concerning realities and problems ", including a growing phenomena of lack of communication and understanding, broken families, divorces, abuse of alcohol and drugs. “Families are threatened by the media which corrupt consciences with anti-values such as promiscuity, pornography, consumerism and materialism”. The Bishops note the causes “insufficient preparation for marriage, influence of permissive society without values, poverty and above all insufficient education in the faith and inadequate pastoral care for the different stages of family life ".
The Christmas message recalls the 475th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who "came to evangelise us and makes us one family regardless of race, social position or culture". The Bishops write "the mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico today is still more urgent. We face the task of making our country a home where all are reconciled, where all share what they have in order to grow in brotherhood". The Bishops urge the people to live Advent and Christmas by taking part as families in the Sacraments; giving special attention to the poor in parishes, religious houses and families, making greater effort to live Christmas in peace and harmony. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 15/12/2006; righe 28, parole 379)
