Message of forgiveness at re-opening of Mexico City cathedral

Mexico City, Mexico, Nov 27, 2007 / 10:17 am

Auxiliary Bishop Antonio Ortega of Mexico City has called for forgiveness and reconciliation after the re-opening of the Cathedral, which was temporarily closed after being attacked by sympathizers of the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) on November 18.

Amidst an increase in security measures, which include bag searches, Bishop Ortega noted that mercy and forgiveness are the basis of the Christian faith.  Later, during a press conference in which he was asked if the protestors were forgiven, the bishop responded that the mission of the Church is “to forgive.”

“We realize that we are all brothers and sisters and that together we must build a cleaner, more beautiful city,” he said.

Security measures
During the celebration of Sunday Mass, the Cathedral was guarded by 46 officers and four patrol cars.  According to reports, two people carrying signs were prevented from entering the church, as well as one person who was carrying equipment designed to measure the decibel levels of the Cathedral bells.  The traditional ringing of the bells was the excuse used by political activists to protest inside the Cathedral the previous Sunday.

For his part, the president of the Catholic Lawyers of Mexico, Armando Martinez Gomez, acknowledged the willingness of the Mexico City government to collaborate in providing security for the Cathedral.  He also called on PRD sympathizers “to honor the words of their leaders,” who committed to stopping the protests at the Cathedral.