Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Caracas (Agenzia Fides) – The Bishops of Venezuela, at the close of their Plenary Assembly, issued a statement on the 150th anniversary of the Federal War, which the nation will celebrate this February 20. The Bishops said: “it had the same traits as a civil war, for social and political programs left unfulfilled, military clashes between conservatives and liberals, which lasted 5 years,” and that is considered, along with the War for Independence, as “two of the most important events in the destruction of our territory and that have been considered as key events in our the history of our nation's foundation.”
Thus, the Bishops, “as spiritual guides and called to be peacemakers in truth and justice,” offer several reflections on how to look to the future with serene realism and renewed hope.
Firstly, they mention that “the commemoration of these events, more than offering a faithful and creative memory, have served to perpetually exalt our past, without having any positive results in solving our nation's problems.” Furthermore, the event has almost become “a myth, more than an historical event to honor in truth and freedom.” We cannot forget that “the years of the Federal War were very painful,” and had “too high a price on citizens, especially on the poorest ones...” In fact, “the regions that did not enter the war enjoyed peace and greater development than the rest, as war only led to misery.”
However, it also led to a “greater awareness of the role of citizens, and in some way, to national identity, commitment to freedom from all domination, the value of the region versus centralism, the elimination of titles of nobility, and an emphasis on the equality of citizens.” Likewise, another positive aspect of the Federal War was the “permanent call to peaceful coexistence, made by Archbishop Silvestre Guevara y Lira of Caracas; Bishop Juan Hilario Bosset of Merida; Bishop Mariano de Talavera y Garces, Emeritus Bishop of Guayana; and Bishop Mariano Fortique, Bishop of Guayana. It was a cry of faith, asking that their “swords be turned into plowshares.”
The Bishops also decried the fact that “in the establishment of Venezuelan national identity, war has been excessively esteemed,” to such a point that it seems as though “only through bellicose events does a nation take shape.” However, the history of Venezuela, “as a people and nation did not begin with the era of independence.” It was “in the first three centuries of our history that the cultural character and spiritual and moral identity of being Venezuelan, took shape - with its virtues and flaws, successes and failures.”
“The moments of separation, of war and pain, can be seen as unavoidable,” the Bishops said. “But the progress and peaceful coexistence, welfare and tranquility, development and knowledge, art, commerce, agriculture, industry, education, immigration...have arisen and grown in moments of peace and joy, amidst the routine of everyday life, in the combined effort of all people without distinction.”
They conclude their Message with an appeal to all schools, especially Christian ones, to all Seminaries and Houses of Formation, to all apostolic movements and social associations, asking that they hold conferences and other activities to “promote the more authentic yearnings of social justice and development, of decentralization and federalism, which are in the hearts of Venezuelans.” They ask that all people commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Federal War with the spirit of this statement. Thus, it will be a source of encouragement and will inspire creativity and hope in all Venezuelans.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 6/2/2009)
