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| Bishop Lynch, ss.cc Auxiliary in Southwark |
In the message, Cardinal Veglio noted the negative sentiment
many possess for gypsies.
“In our globalised world, in fact, walls continue to be
built that divide the peoples of the same continent, people from the same
country or the same city,” he said, and spoke of how heart is needed to
confront challenges.
“Also among the European countries, some are still
negatively influenced in their political choices regarding the Roma to whom you
are close in your respective pastoral commitments," he said.
"The challenge you face with evangelical courage in
your pastoral activities demonstrates that to tear down walls, one must begin
in the heart, the first space where another is included, and as long as hearts
are not open, it will not be easy to achieve an inclusive society. So this
moment of reflection offers you the opportunity to put your energies together
to create a social dynamic in which the different cultures can live together.”
Cardinal Veglio emphasized how gypsies must feel a sense of
belonging. “The Gypsies need the humanity of the society in which they live in
order to feel like members of the human family and benefit from the rights
enjoyed by the other members of the community in respect for their dignity and
identity," he said.
"There is a need for tenacious, patient work on
everyone's part. The Church can be of inspiration and make the efforts converge
into a common commitment in order to face the dilemmas at the basis of the
Roma's human difficulties … The document 'Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of
the Gypsies' continues to be a fundamental reference for you and you should use
it as well as possible for your service in the midst of this People because it
offers important guidelines that are the fruit of common work.”
He discussed gypsies’ rights, saying the Roma "have the
right to be recognised at least as ethnic minorities in the countries where
they live since they are the largest minority in the European Union.”
Concluding his messaging, he wrote, “The Church has the task
to bring Jesus' Gospel in their midst but also to support their dream of integration
which passes through education, health, work and housing, and all of this in
collaboration with people of good will.” (D.C.L.)
Comment: Bishop Patrick Lynch, ss.cc., Auxiliary in Southwark is representing Bishops' Conference of England and Wales at the meeting in Cavallino-Treporti
Comment: Bishop Patrick Lynch, ss.cc., Auxiliary in Southwark is representing Bishops' Conference of England and Wales at the meeting in Cavallino-Treporti
Hi Father, saw a comment of yours at Father Blake's. Didn't realize you'd started to blog again. Nice to see you.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU. Had problems with previous account and have not entirely ironed out all problems with existing blog
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