AMERICA/ARGENTINA - Plenary Assembly of Bishops: "Poverty, drug trafficking and reconciliation"

Tuesday, 8 November 2016 episcopal conferences   drug trade   evangelization  

Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) - "We have to thank God for the year we are about to conclude. We have witnessed a series of events that make the history of the Church in Argentina and have enriched the lives of our communities. The Holy Year of Mercy with its message of conversion and holiness, the celebration in Tucuman of the bicentennial of our country together with the XI National Eucharistic Congress, a true celebration of the Eucharistic faith and ecclesial communion. Finally, we witnessed the beatification of Mother Antula and the canonization of our Cura Brochero, already appointed Patron of the Argentine clergy. We have lived strong and profitable moments!". With these words, His Exc. Mgr. José María Arancedo, Archbishop of Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, and President of the Argentine Episcopal Conference (CEA), began his homily for the opening of the 112th Plenary Assembly.
After a reflection on the figure of Mary as a teacher in the attitude of vigilance before the needs of children, he said: "Her proximity and her sensitivity is also a lesson that teaches us to recognize the spiritual and material needs of our brothers, especially those most in need. We know the reality of poverty and the difficulties that many of our brothers live. We know that the social situation remains difficult, especially for the scourge of drug trafficking and its consequences of destruction and death. This social debt requires actions that meet the basic needs, such as the creation of decent jobs, which together with education and training, promote and encourage the projects of life, especially in young people".
Before concluding, the President of CEA said: "To achieve a more just and inclusive society, what is required, together with the active presence of the State, is the commitment of a leadership open to the needs of solidarity and the common good. Poverty is not only an economic issue, it is also a moral and cultural issue".
The Assembly of Bishops began yesterday, Monday, November 7th, and for almost a week will have to deal with several issues of national social life and pastoral care.
According to the statement sent to Fides, the main issues are the various situations of poverty, drug trafficking and reconciliation, a priority in the country, in addition to the situation in prisons. (CE) (Agenzia Fides, 08/11/2016)


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