SANTO DOMINGO.- The Bishop of the Diocese Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey, Monsignor Jesús Castro Marte He considered this Saturday that the country needs the unity of all, starting with the political parties, whom he called to avoid confrontations.
“Here we don’t need confrontations, we need everyone’s collaboration, unity, starting with the political parties. It is a moment of unity among us, we believe, we promote democracy, but democracy without unity loses its horizon and its raison d’etre”, said the bishop during the mass celebrated in the Basilica of Higüey for the Day of Our Lady of Altagracia .
Castro Marte pointed out that this unit must also be related to businessmen, professionals, universities, civil society organizations and the entire Dominican people.
The Catholic prelate said that the Penal Code must be approved while respecting the right to life from conception.
“The Criminal Code must be approved, it must be analyzed because crime has grown a lot, but maintaining that human life begins from conception,” said the bishop.
Thousands of people have come to the Basilica of Higüey to venerate the Virgen de la Altagracia, keep promises and make a request, as well as participate in the celebrations of this day.
Many of the parishioners have been in the Basilica since Friday, where they stationed themselves both inside the temple and in its surroundings, some sheltered under trees. From the early hours of this Saturday morning, adults, children, young people and the elderly made long lines to enter the church, touch and kiss the painting of the Virgin.
Many of the devotees present there carried candles in their hands and other gifts, others came dressed in a particular garment as a way of fulfilling a promise.
President Luis Abinader, Vice President Raquel Peña and First Lady Raquel Arbaje led the official acts.
Government officials, political leaders, former officials, among others, were present at the celebration.
