Bishop encourages women in rebuilding Chile

Santiago, Chile, Mar 9, 2010 / 17:05 pm

The president of the Bishops’ Conference of Chile, Bishop Alejandro Goic Karmelic, sent a message to the women of the country yesterday on the International Day of Women. The prelate encouraged them to continue working for the reconstruction of a more just and equitable country, especially following the February 27 earthquake.

In his message, the bishop praised women who “give the best of themselves in each one of the roles they are called to take on: as mothers, daughters, wives, career professionals, workers in various fields, students, consecrated women, or committed laywomen.”

He added that “with hope and perseverance,” women “seek to build a better world that is more just and equitable for all.”

The bishop then underscored that today more than ever, “their courage and stoicism are being put to the test amidst so much suffering and human sadness. The vast majority of Chilean women are of profound faith and believers in a God who does not abandon us, who is infinitely merciful, and they base their lives and hope in Him.”

Bishop Karmelic encouraged Chileans to show greater “value and respect for women,” and prayed that “women recognize in themselves the gifts and graces that the Lord has placed in them and that bring dignity to their beings.”

He continued reminding women to follow “the example of the Most Holy Mary.”

“May they convey to those around them and to society, especially in our country, the true image and likeness with which God created them.”

After encouraging women who have lost loved ones to place their hope in Christ, Bishop Karmelic underscored that “in the Marian Year, the Church wishes to give thanks to the Most Holy Trinity for ‘the mystery of woman’” and for the “wonders of God that have been wrought in her and through her in the history of humanity.”