Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Oaxaca (Agenzia Fides) - “Is it worth celebrating Christmas in the present situation?" Archbishop José Luis Chávez Botello of Antequera-Oaxaca (Mexico), and his auxiliary Bishop Oscar Campos Contreras, ask in a Christmas Letter addressed to the diocese. The Bishops answer ‘yes’ because the more negative the situation the more necessary authentic understanding and celebration of the mystery of Christmas.
“We should all realise and experience personally that the Child in Bethlehem is the answer to all our questions, light to dispel all confusion and darkness, serenity to overcome all concern and anxiety, and forgiveness for all offences, unity for all division, peace for all violence and conflict". This is why it is indispensable “to hear and meditate on what it means that the Son of God became a Child to save us”.
This year, more than in the past, it is necessary to prepare well for Christmas, to arrange time for sharing and healthy festivities, make a genuine effort to dialogue, forgive, understand. In this spirit the Bishops urge the people to a “take an active part in urgent commitment for social reconciliation”, recalling that "Oaxaca needs the help of all its people to heal its painful wounds". Places for meeting and sharing in every district and community “will provide a solid foundation for peace". The Bishops call on priests, religious and other pastoral workers to take an active part in this process and to foster an authentic sense of Christmas, helping others to live it in this way. "We must celebrate Christmas - the Message concludes - to relieve the pain of our wounds and heal social tissue, to move in peace towards a more just society, with more responsible citizens and better social leaders and authorities, if we are to rediscover the truth and love". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2006; righe 22, parole 346)
