Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Managua (Agenzia Fides) - “We are aware of the difficulties and resistance implied in the renewal of ecclesial structures, in order to their becoming more missionary and the formation of pastoral agents (priests, consecrated, and laity) so that they may be missionary disciples. However, we observe how the pastoral conversion is leading to a transformation and our Churches are responding. The firm call made in Aparecida to carry out the Continental Mission is bearing fruit,” the Bishops from the 22 Bishops' Conferences in Latin America and the Caribbean affirmed in their Final Message issued at the close of their 32nd Plenary Assembly of CELAM (Latin American Bishops' Council), which was held for the first time in Nicaragua May 11-15 (see Fides 6/5/2009;13/5/2009;14/5/2009).
The Bishops recall that Aparecida “clearly affirmed that the Diocese is the privileged place for living communion.” In this regards, they recognize and value “the efforts that have been made on various levels in promoting communion,” especially at a time in which “the witness of unity in the Church becomes a cornerstone for offering a credible testimony in society.”
They also express their appreciation for the various activities that CELAM has carried out in order to promote the Continental Mission, with the belief that “the Continental Mission offers a Providential opportunity to contemplate the Risen Christ who has guaranteed the victory of good over evil.” “This perception demands our greatest efforts in fortifying the path and enumerating the various processes. Sharing experiences is the key to maintaining unity within plurality,” they said.
In sharing the experiences from various countries, the Bishops have observed some of the major challenges at present, such as: “the economic crisis, the wave of poverty in several countries, a certain disillusionment with democracy that has led to a search for new political models tainted by populism, the failure of our States to fully guarantee human rights, the growing secularism that silences religious values and morals and seeks to rob the Church of her role in contributing to a culture centered on the dignity of the human person, guaranteeing life from conception until natural death.”
The Prelates recall that “the historical contribution of the Catholic Church in creating a culture founded on Gospel values has been the soul of our nations and has established a social fabric with identity, fraternity, solidarity, and openness beyond our own borders.” Thus, they manifest their sorrow in observing the “accusations in many of our countries made in the name of progress and development, which seek to establish a dictatorship of relativism.”
They conclude their message by expressing their solidarity with their “brother Bishops who have been the target of calumny, defamation, and even violence, as well as many other priests, consecrated, and faithful, who in an heroic manner have given their life for the Gospel.” To them all, they express their solidarity and encourage them “to continue bearing witness to the fact that Christ is the Lord of History.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 18/05/2009)
