These dates bring with them a characteristic nostalgia that for many can become difficult to face. The absence of a loved one, being at a distance from family members or even going through a difficult moment from silence.
There is no secret formula to face those feelings of sadness or the emotions that only those who go through them understand. Refuge in a supreme being, God, is a comfort to the hearts of believers. Monsignor Ricardo Valenzuela, bishop of the Diocese of Caacupé, urged the parishioners to open their hearts before the Lord, ask and beg to be a little more like him.
“Life has to be lived with great goodness, realizing that God looks at us, he is in love with his own work and wants to have an encounter with each one of us. We have to open our hearts to him, ask and beg him to help us be more like him, to give us the grace of tenderness in the most difficult moments,” he said.
Monsignor Claudio Giménez, bishop emeritus of Caacupé pointed to the word of God as an instrument to strengthen himself, all that is needed is silence, rest and openness.
“There is something that can bother a bit, not only hearing the word, but also putting it into practice, Jesus himself said it and his disciple James repeated it in a letter,” he reflected.
What message would you give to the parishioners to live a Christmas where faith really prevails over consumerism?
Monsignor Ricardo Valenzuela: This party is a night where the great joy of the gospel is shared, God loves us that is why he gave us his own son, he is a light in the darkness, he tells us once again not to fear.
I would like to repeat to the people who will live on the margins of this traditional festival not to be afraid but to remind them that God is very patient with us, God loves us and he is the light that dispels all darkness, he always forgives us, it is important that they understand and understand this to try to have a little more hope.
Monsignor Claudio Giménez: As a family, review what happened in Bethlehem those days. Children are wonderful and they will know how to put their very peculiar seasoning. The gospel of Saint Luke is very borrowed.
COUNTRY LOOK
What changes do you want for the country in this year that is about to begin?
Monsignor Ricardo Valenzuela: It is difficult to name just a few, but I would say that in the first place, have authorities that are authentic, upright, that are honest and honorable. So also an impartial justice, equal for all and finally that they are always attentive to the needs of the people.
Monsignor Claudio Giménez: Some few but fundamental: That the common good be respected and distributed equitably. That we elaborate together a National Plan (as it sounds) of Education; The State, the Catholic Church and many others can provide the best we want for our children and young people, thinking of the greatness of our people.
Also very important, whoever is looking for work finds it and feels worthy, growing on their own, through their own efforts, overcoming dependency and begging, which corrupt politics tends to always take advantage of.
What values are fundamental to reap on a personal level and be part of the change?
Monsignor Claudio Giménez: Mutual respect, honesty, co-responsibility, civic love, the testimony, example, of the elders, to the young generations (believe in them, accompany them, that they feel that they are not alone); and let no one feel useless thinking that others should change our country. NOT! each one has a mission and must feel co-responsible in the construction of a different Paraguay.
Finally, with a change of government on the horizon, what should be the priorities of those who take office?
Monsignor Ricardo Valenzuela: In the first place work, promote work for the many young people. Secondly, health, there is a great need, even if one has insurance, it is not enough. Then education, a sincere and authentic free from all ideology.
Monsignor Claudio Giménez: Respect for the National Constitution, everything is there.
