Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Florida (Agenzia Fides) - The Episcopal Conference of Uruguay has published, on account of the celebration of the Bicentennial, a document titled "Our Homeland: gratitude and hope". The letter is addressed "to all the faithful Catholics" and was presented by the bishops last week, in Florida.
According to information gathered by Fides, the letter begins looking at former times, with grateful memory of the first people who contributed to the development and greatness of the country, with particular attention to those who were inspired by their Catholic faith. Secondly, it presents Jesus Christ and his message, "whose proclamation is the specific contribution that the Church offers to society".
We find therefore the center of convergence for the construction of the national community: the dignity of the human person and his inalienable rights, with particular attention to the natural character of these rights, recognized in international treaties. Even the right to freedom of conscience and religious freedom are important issues in the document. In solidarity with those who desire and seek a more fair and fraternal society, the Bishops analyze some aspects of social reality: an aging population, the high rate of suicide, violence, poverty (especially children), the increase consumption of alcohol and drugs, the situation of prisoners and domestic violence.
The future of Uruguay, to whom the letter looks with hope, underlines the strong emphasis on family and education: these two main issues are dealt with in two chapters. Most important is the centrality of the family, "whose primary value the vast majority of men and women aspires to" in Uruguay. Among the aspects and problems related to family what is indicated are marriage and divorce, the culture of life, spirituality, values of the Gospel lived in family life.
The chapter on education starts with a significant word: "forward", thus emphasizing the value of the transformation of public education. The Bishops recall the historical contribution of the Church in education; which reaffirms the right of parents, even those with limited resources, to choose the orientation of their children’s education; they suggest again the secular theme and religious denominations. It also asks to open the school system to a larger number of forms and different centers, showing that education means public service, both managed by the state and also managed privately.
In conclusion the letter is addressed to the Catholic community, encouraging the faithful in their mission to help change society, with freedom and personal responsibility in order to "work in justice for the common good of all Uruguayans". (CE) (Agenzia Fides 23/11/2011)
