Spanish bishop urges donations for those affected by economic crisis

San Sebastian, Spain, Aug 2, 2012 / 15:08 pm

Bishop Jose Ignacio Munilla of San Sebastian in Spain called on local priests and the laity to donate a portion of their salaries to Caritas for families affected by the country's economic crisis.

During Mass on the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31, Bishop Munilla said he wanted to make "a special invitation" to those concerned about this situation to make "an extraordinary donation" to those experiencing financial difficulties.  

"Some may not be able to take on such a huge effort, but perhaps they might be able to join the appeal by Caritas to donate one day's salary per month. Others might perhaps be able to make a specific donation."

Bishop Munilla said Spain is facing a crisis "that poses questions about the foundations upon which we have based our development."

"The disconnect with the Christian roots of Western society has turned traditional values on their head and pushed the West to place 'having' above 'being.'"

Everyone in society bears some blame for the resulting unbridled consumerism, he said, from financial entities and leaders who created a false economy, to those who bought what they did not need with money they did not have.

"It is obvious that we are dealing with a sin for which we are all accomplices … by building a societal model contrary to the values of the Kingdom of God," on every level of social ladder, the bishop continued.

"Brothers and sisters, on this day dedicated to our patron, St. Ignatius, and at a time when a large segment of our population is preparing to go on summer vacation, I would like to boldly propose to all Catholics and people of good will who trust in the management of Caritas," Bishop Munilla said, "that a special effort of solidarity be made towards those who are suffering the most."