Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) – After suffering various negative reactions and attacks from government authorities on account of a statement he made in his homily on November 30 (see Fides 3/12/2008), Cardinal Julio Terrazas, Archbishop of Santa Cruz (Bolivia), has received many expressions of solidarity from other parties.
“We wish to convey him our sincerest support in these difficult moments that he is going through, after firmly denouncing the situations of lies, injustices, and attacks on the dignity of the human person,” a letter sent to the Cardinal from the Diocesan Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies and the Missions Commission of the ecclesial jurisdictions of Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Sucre, Oruro, Coroico, Potosí, Aiquile, Corocoro, La Paz, Reyes, Riberalta, Ñuflo de Chavez, and Camiri, meeting in the town of Sorata. “It is a great cause of grief for us, to witness these attacks, as they come as an affront to the entire Church,” the text continued. It also expresses support for the Cardinal's mission and that of the entire Church, as they seek to “instill in our people the values of fraternity, solidarity, and peace, denouncing the situations that are contrary to the Gospel values in our society.”
“Do not be afraid of being faithful to your pastoral mission, of speaking out with clear instructions, so that our country may be built on the teachings of Jesus,” the Diocesan Directors of the PMS told the Cardinal, assuring him of their prayers “for the Church of Bolivia, his person, and for true peace.”
The laity, priests, religious, and all Catholic organizations of the Archdiocese of Santa Cruz also expressed their “loyalty and true adhesion” to the Cardinal's pastoral mission and encouraged him to continue expressing his message, “calling to conversion, solidarity, and hope.” “Content and grateful for his permanent guidance and pastoral leadership, we, the Catholics committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ that clearly shows us the need to convert in solidarity and hope, thus contributing to the establishment of a country with unity, harmony, progress, and social justice,” the Message says. It concludes with an expression of their solidarity with the teachings of the Cardinal, “that light our path” and they assure them of their prayers. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/12/2008)
