Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Fides Service) - Life must not become a battle field” is the theme of the Sharing Campaign 2007 launched by the Catholic Church in Venezuela. The initiative was presented by Bishop José Luis Azuaje Ayala of the diocese of El Vigia-San Carlos president of the Bishops’ Commission for social pastoral and Caritas Venezuela who said "the goal of the Campaign is to discern ways to eradicate daily violence from our communities and promote a culture of justice and peace in a situation of daily danger and insecurity”.
Without peace, the Bishop said, recalling a recent statement issued by the Venezuelan Bishops’ Conference “we are denied the conditions for living in an authentic society, because there is no respect for the human person". Campaign 2007 urges everyone to make a greater effort to build peace and reconciliation encouraging conversion of heart among all the people, and to solve situations of conflict which generate more conflict and to demand public policies which promote security and respect for the person and prevent death and violation of public and private property.
The annual Campaign collection will be taken on 25 March, 5th Sunday of Lent . For some it will be the fruit of fasting, for others a fruit of sensitivity towards the sufferings of others. What ever the case the Bishop said “this is not philanthropy but rather seeing Christ in every suffering person". The funds collected will support programmes to foster a culture of peace and reconciliation, to help victims of violence and support diocesan initiatives to promote respect for human dignity and rights. "It is in the interest of all to work to promote peace and values such as the dignity of every human person. We are all necessary. Letus work to make our country a country of life, not a battle field of insecurity" Bishop José Luis Azuaje concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 26/2/2007; righe 26, parole 368)
