By David Ramos
Monterrey, Mexico, Apr 12, 2022 / 16:00 pm
Archbishop Rogelio Cabrera López of Monterrey encouraged the faithful on Sunday to take advantage of Holy Week “to share the faith with relatives.”
The faith, he said, can be put into practice "by visiting the sick, or by organizing a time in a fraternal way to get together with those who live far away, due to various circumstances, from daily life."
In a video message broadcast April 10, the president of the Mexican bishops’ conference stressed that "we are beginning a very special week for the entire Christian world, it’s the week that leads us to reflect and enter deeply into the mysteries of the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ."
These mysteries, he said, "give meaning to the faith we profess, mysteries of love with which God, our Creator, manifests his merciful presence to us."
Archbishop Cabrera stressed that these days “should be days in which we dedicate space to stop and reflect on how great is the love that God the Father has for us by sending us his Son Jesus Christ to rescue us from the power of death, freeing us from sin and the slavery that it entails.”
"That’s why it’s important that we not only seek to participate in the liturgical and devotional activities that all the parishes and chapels organize, but that we take advantage of the week to get closer to God, especially in the encounter with our neighbor," he said.
"This is a good time to put aside all the problems and resentments that may be affecting good relationships with family or with our neighbors," he added.
The archbishop also recalled the drama of the disappeared in Mexico, and lamented that "unfortunately the number of disappeared people throughout the country has been increasing."
In addition, he said, "sadly domestic violence continues to rise and that causes minors and women to seek their safety elsewhere, which can cause even more abuse by people who take advantage of their vulnerability.”
“That’s why the call that we make out of charity to the authorities is to put more effort in relation to public safety and psychological and preventive support in all families, particularly in those who are experiencing histories of anguish and despair,” he said.
The prelate also reiterated the Church's commitment, especially in Monterrey, "to accompany the victims of violence and abuse."
