Category Archives: 2007 Aparecida document

At the end, a plea for intercession to Mary, recognizing our common ground. She, as a pilgrim to Elizabeth. And we, joining with her in that most human of experiences, the journey from shadows to light, drawing closer to God … Continue reading →

552. Let us thus recover our fervor of spirit. Let us preserve the delightful and comforting joy of evangelizing, even when it is in tears that we must sow. How timely a thought, that we are in a season of scandal … Continue reading →

We’ve heard this theme, the notion that some efforts of faith, especially that of evangelization, must be tackled on a continental scale. 551. This missionary awakening in the form of a Continental Mission, the fundamental lines of which have been … Continue reading →

Today, Pope Benedict’s message to the Aparecida bishops: 550. It is Pope Benedict XVI himself who has invited us to “a mission of evangelization capable of engaging all the vital energies present in this immense flock,” which is the people … Continue reading →

Stuck in our buildings, and in an era of Christian mediocrity, what shall we do? Believers are in need of the evangelical experience themselves. They are the first target: 549. In order to become a Church full of drive and … Continue reading →

A few themes are recalled here. First, the suggestion that the Church is mostly in a waiting phase. We have lost the impulse for evangelization. We no longer trust the message of the Gospel can sustain that first century effectiveness. … Continue reading →

We arrive at the conclusion of the Aparecida document. Over the next week, a final look at the 2007 conference which put evangelization in sharper focus for the bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean. The words of the Jerusalem … Continue reading →

Pope Benedict is quoted: 546. As we face such serious challenges, we draw encouragement from the words of the Holy Father: Certainly, the restoration of justice, reconciliation and forgiveness are the conditions for building true peace. The recognition of this … Continue reading →

CELAM is an acronym for Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano. The continental unity is important to the bishops of this hemisphere. 544. We reaffirm the importance of CELAM and recognize that it has been a prophetic venue for the unity of Latin … Continue reading →

So much of our love is pedestrian. Express it for things, rather than people. And when it comes to people, we go halfway too often. The example of Jesus is contrary to that. When Jesus expresses his love, he goes … Continue reading →

In addition to democracy, peace is another priority for the Western Hemisphere: 542. Peace is a precious but precarious good that we must all care for, educate toward, and promote in our continent. As we know peace, is not reduced … Continue reading →

In the world, lay people must take the lead, especially where government is concerned. 541. The Church should also help consolidate fragile democracies, in the positive democratization process in Latin America and the Caribbean, although today there are grave challenges … Continue reading →

538. All authentic transformations take shape and are forged in the heart of persons and radiate in all dimensions of their existence and shared life. There are no new structures unless there are new men and new women to mobilize … Continue reading →

Some good insight from Pope Benedict XVI in this section. Let’s dive in with encouragement that there is a world waiting to be guided to higher aspirations: 537. Latin America and the Caribbean should not only be the continent of … Continue reading →

A good word for reconciliation: 535. Among our peoples, educating and fostering all deeds, works and paths of reconciliation and agreement in society, cooperation and integration are required. The communion attained in Christ’s reconciling blood gives us the strength to … Continue reading →