Mexico: National peace truce seeks to heal the wounds of violence

Within the framework of the Catholic Church’s call for a “national truce of peace” during two of the most important religious festivities in the country in December, a Mexican bishop explained that this initiative seeks “to heal the wounds and for that day to have a little peace.”

The Primate Archdiocese of Mexico called for a “national truce of peace” that calls on organized crime groups and politicians to stop hostilities during two of the most significant celebrations of December: the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, on the 12th; and Christmas, on the 25th.

Mons. Francisco Javier Acero, Auxiliary Bishop of the Primate Archdiocese of Mexico, explained in an interview with ACI Prensa that this initiative arose after listening to testimonies in his pastoral work, “in the framework of what one also experiences on the street.” Both on December 12 and 25, he assured, “what people are crying out for is the absence of violence and a little bit of brotherhood.”

The prelate urged “that some silence the weapons, the criminal groups, the cartels; and also politicians also turn off this hostile communication. But we go further, also that each one heals the wounds and that that day they have a little peace, less anger and more smiles, which I think is what Our Mother of Guadalupe likes.”

Bishop Acero recalled the words of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego on the Tepeyac hill: “Am I not here, for I am your mother? Why do you hesitate?” This message, he explained, invites us to “get out of fear to provoke peace, to get out of our ideological positions to provoke dialogue.”

The bishop stressed that, although Guadalupe’s message has a strong meaning for Catholics, it is also a message “for a nation, it is a universal message and today Guadalupe’s message brings us closer to her and brings us closer to her son Jesus.” ”.

Bishop Acero asked that December 12 be considered “a sacred day where we want the absence of weapons to exist throughout the country.”

How can we help from the family?

Bishop Francisco Javier Acero stressed that ending violence is not solely the responsibility of politicians or armed groups, since “peace is a personal attitude.” In this sense, he encouraged adopting this attitude in all areas of life, from family to friends, highlighting that “it is like a shock wave that is reflected in the places where I move.”

The prelate pointed out that, in the workplace, it is important to avoid attitudes such as

“competitions, lots of gossip, arguments and arguments”, since these also represent “other types of wars and we have to start there.”

“Peace comes from my heart and peace is an experience that harmonizes my life, my feelings, my desire for God, my search for truth. And this inner peace heals our wounds. Peace is not an ideology, it is not a flag,” said Bishop Acero.

“Peace is not only possible, but necessary”

The Conference of the Mexican Episcopate (CEM) urged all sectors of society to join this cause so that these “days of faith and devotion serve to demonstrate that peace is not only possible, but necessary.”

“In a country where violence has left painful scars on families and polarization among social actors, this proposal invites us to reflect and act in favor of reconciliation, respect and human dignity,” the Mexican bishops indicated in a statement. released on December 9.

Within the framework of the festivity of Saint Mary of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace, the bishops expressed their hope that this date inspires everyone to “keep silence in arms and give space to peace.”

Furthermore, taking advantage of the Advent season, they renewed their commitment to work “for a reconciled society, where families can sit together at the Christmas table without the shadow of mourning caused by violence.”

Finally, they asked the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Child Jesus “so that this call inspires concrete actions that bring hope and comfort to those who suffer the most.”