The Church in Bolivia: Hope amid the signs of death

Wall Eileen Castro Matthews – Vatican City

The Bolivon Bishop has expressed concern about the fact that was characterized by the loss of cultural and social identity, as well as the crisis in the political, economic and social fields. With explicit words, they pointed out that the promises of economic revitalization, judicial reforms and reconciliation operations remained in empty promises, and that the institutionalization of lies and deception threatens democracy, the rule of law and legal certainty.

With a clear diagnosis, they stressed that the economic model of the monopolistic state systematically destroyed the economy and private property, which prompted the country to a state of poverty and debt. Loss of resources such as hydrocarbons and restrictions in exporting products offer a weak country, and more source of human employment and capital, but without stability or prosperity for its residents.

Hope amid the signs of death

Despite the challenges, the bishops highlight the signs of life that emerge from the power of the Bolivian people: their mass participation in Easter celebrations, the enthusiasm of youth in Phoenix and the popular religious gestures that promote faith and hope. They also appreciate creative and daily resistance projects as clear signs of hope and the nation that have not lost their soul.

From the pastoral perspective, they called the Bolivians to be “pilgrims for hope”, accepting the challenge of building an honest dialogue and searching for unity in the midst of differences. They stressed the importance of the upcoming presidential elections as an opportunity to redefine the country’s path, with responsible vote and without anti -democracy pressure.

Renewed commitment in the first centenary and in the hope of the best future

The bishops ’message is frame in the context of a picker in Bolivia, and from this gratitude and commitment, remember their missionary and supportive mission: defending human rights, caring for the motherland, promoting education and health, and accompanying most of them. In their pastoral catalyst, they reaffirmed the power of hope, and they called the nation not to abandon the promise of Christ: “Do not be afraid, I have defeated the world” (John 1633).

Finally, in the year of Jubilee, they entrusted their prayers to the Virgin Mary, as the Queen of Bolivia, and documented in the heart of Jesus’ holy heart to come better days. They concluded with a global prayer for the future Pope and for the time in which peace, justice and faith prevailed in Bolivia.