Bishops in Paraguay invite young people to play lead role in transformation of country

Asunción, Paraguay, Dec 5, 2006 / 22:00 pm

During a Mass in honor of Our Lady of Miracles of Caacupe, the patroness of Paraguay, the bishops of that country issued a statement inviting young people to play a lead role in the transformation of Paraguay and lamenting the difficult situation that many young people are experiencing due to the lack of jobs.
 
In a letter read by Bishop Ricardo Valenzuela, who heads up the bishops’ youth ministry, the prelates invited young people to “be coherent in their daily lives, no matter what place, occupation, or aspirations they may have.”

“Our proposal is to follow Jesus. Christ calls you to holiness of life. He invites you to be courageous, to not be afraid to be committed to serving others,” they said.

The bishops also expressed their hope at seeing how young people are become more committed to solidarity and charity through volunteer work in local communities.  “This encouraging picture cannot make us forget the problems that profoundly affect them and cause them great sadness and anguish, such as the lack of education opportunities, and other rights, which often force them to emigrate and take the road of vices and violence.”

Lastly, the bishops exhorted young people to “be disciples, missionaries, and witnesses of the love of Christ, in order to overcome through generosity the situations of poverty, corruption and injustices that oppress our people.”