Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
San Juan (Agenzia Fides) - “A scene of profound desolation and uncertainty for thousands of Puerto Rican families,” is what Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez of San Juan (Puerto Rico) has announced in a Pastoral Note sent out shortly after the Puerto Rican government's declaration that it would be laying-off thousands of employees, in order to re-systemize the economic balance of the state. This decision, “although it may have a legitimate end,” will cause an increase in the number of unemployed, many people will be left without support and will and it will leave a “great impact” on families, who will lose “security, peace, tranquility, and hope.”
Faced with this reality, it is important that “every person, in every civil, religious, political, and governmental sector” overcome “indifference and unilateral viewpoints” that do nothing more than make the situation even more difficult and collaboration efforts less effective, said Archbishop Gonzalez. In fact, “it is not with conflict that we find the solution.” Rather, we need “good will, listening, dialogue, and effort,” with loyalty and perseverance, “accepting even the agreements that may not fully satisfy all our expectations, but that can bring new hope.” For the Archbishop of San Juan, “gestures of greatness and humility in favor of our homeland” are positive. The Church, therefore, hopes that things will proceed with “justice and dignity,” without abandoning workers, “who depend on a salary to live, to keep a house and to meet basic human needs.” “Choosing to lay-off workers will require, on the part of the government, a greater role in creating, promoting, and in dialoguing with employees and in there duty to protect and ensure workers' rights,” the Pastoral Note says.
“Trusting in God, we can proceed united towards a time of hope, peace, and unity for every Puerto Rican heart and family. Thus, we ask our people that in these times of uncertainty, to pray for government and financial leaders, that they may find a just solution to the crisis, restoring joy, peace, and dignity to the state employees and the privately owned companies,” the message from Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez concludes.
In the meantime, the Archdiocese of San Juan is letting all those who are effected by this situation that the Diocesan Caritas “is ready to offer them their services in whatever they can and distribute customary aid.” (GT) (Agenzia Fides 30/9/2009)
