Paraguay: bishop reasserts importance of the family

Marking the feast of the National Shrine Ñandejára guasu or Sweet Name of Jesus was Paraguay's Catholic Bishop Claudio Gimenez of Caacupé. Bishop Gimenez presided at the Mass, which was attended by numerous authorities and politicians, including Vice-president Federico Franco.

In his homily Bishop Gimenez talked about the confusing situation of the country, "This year of preparation for elections (general elections will be held on April 21, 2013, ed) begins with great confusion, because not even the politicians themselves know what they want. So it is better to pray for our country, so that things will improve". The Bishop said that there are several cities in the area where local residents have made improvements to infrastructure but are still waiting for the national government to build adequate roads. He mentioned in particular: the communities of Juan de Mena (Department of Cordillera) and Cleto Romero (Department of Caaguazú).

Bishop Gimenez also reported the common theme chosen by the Episcopal Conference of Paraguay (CEP) for all the religious holidays of the year: "Permanent Mission in Paraguay: Evangelizing the family". In this regard, he stressed that all issues on which the Church is reflecting from the novena to Our Lady of Caacupé, are very important, "because they help to strengthen this important institution called family". "To speak and defend the family as an institution is needed more than ever, especially since the institution was accused and attacked, even in its foundations and bases", said the Bishop.

The conclusions of the 192th Assembly of the Episcopal Conference of Paraguay (November 2011) have placed great emphasis on the defense of the family and the Church's position against abortion and same-sex unions.