December 24, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
December 24, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
The highest representative of the Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, Archbishop René Leigue, hours before Christmas Eve, called on the Bolivian population to reconcile and put aside the things that divide to be able to thank God for all the good and bad of this year. The ecclesiastical authority made this call during an interview with the program ¡Qué semana!, which is broadcast every Saturday on EL DEBER Radio, where he reflected on the meaning of Christmas for parishioners.
Where should our prayers be oriented this Christmas?
Despite the difficulties we have had, we must thank God for this year that is passing us by. Our problems as a society do not have to be a reason not to thank you. In addition, the situations that arise badly are not because God wants it that way, but many times humans do not plan things well.
What is the meaning of Christmas for the Christian community?
Remembering Christmas means having a moment of joy and celebration, like any birthday. In this case we celebrate the birth of our savior, so for the Church this moment is very important and if we take into account what its meaning is, it is to bring us peace, unity and live in harmony, reconciling with each other.
Why is Christmas limited to one date and not prolonged for a better coexistence?
Throughout the liturgical year we have different spaces for that. We start with advent, which is a time of waiting. Then we have the time of Lent that is used for reconciliation and to remember the time that Jesus was on earth. Then comes Easter time where there is joy and we Christians feel the presence of God.
How do you evaluate 2022 and what do you expect from 2023? Looking at the authorities, I think the November strike could have been avoided from the start. I hope that the year that is ending will serve as an experience so that the problems do not continue. We hope that what we have been through in 2022 will not happen again next year.
Has the reflective force of your word generated any kind of inconvenience for you?
Sometimes, when we refer to an issue, they see the Church as opposition. But what we do is give our point of view without going against anyone, and if the Church had to oppose something it would be evil to always seek the good. We are there to help as much as possible with suggestions, opinions and approaches.
What would be your message for Bolivians?
After the experience we have had this year, my wish is that nothing bad happens again.
The problems will surely not be lacking and the ambitions of both sides will surely also exist. My wish is also that these problems do not drag on and immediate solutions are sought and the only way to achieve this is through sincere dialogue.
The authorities have been elected to work for the people and not to confront them. They have to work for everyone and not just for those who have supported them. If it worked for everyone, problems would be avoided. So I would like there to be dialogue to be able to live in peace, unity and let’s stop insults to be able to look for what unites us and not what divides us.
What is the importance of reconciling between Bolivians, those who think one way and those who think another?
God comes for everyone and does not choose anyone. He created us free and that is what he wants, that we move and decide in that freedom. There are people who understand all this and others, who perhaps think that you have to live in debauchery.
For a Christian, life does not end here, but is transformed because there is something beyond. And at the beginning of our life we have two paths, that of good and that of evil, so each one decides where to go.
