The Venezuelan bishops published this November 29 his traditional Christmas messagein which they renew their request to the Chavista regime to release the thousands of detainees in the framework of the presidential elections on July 28, among whom are hundreds of minors.
“We will live next Christmas in the midst of dramatic social, economic and political realities in our country, which is why our commitment at this time must be that expressed by the prophets. (cf. Is 2, 3 – 4) that the weapons of violence, exclusion, violation of human rights, and poverty become instruments of happiness, progress, reconciliation, freedom and peace, and we can be more brothers,” write the bishops of the Permanent Commission of the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV).
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In that sense, they indicated that they remain in constant prayer to ask the Child Jesus “to touch the hearts” of those who, according to the country’s Constitution and the laws, “take the necessary measures to release those detained by the events of these last months, so that they can reunite with their family and friends.”
This call from the CEV joins that made by Mons. Mario Moronta, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of San Cristóbal, this November 28, so that the leaders of the Venezuelan dictatorship “can give a happy Christmas to so many families who have detained their loved ones due to problems of political thought.”
More than 2,000 people have been imprisoned in Venezuela, after the presidential elections of July 28, among which are hundreds of minors, held in common prisons and facing sentences of up to 30 years in prison, accused of “terrorism”.
The bishops emphasize that Christmas celebrations come this year to help all the country’s faithful to “live the great gift of the God who becomes man and is born in Bethlehem.” The traditions that are lived during this time, throughout the country and that range from food and decorations to typical songs, must be “an expression of the desire for a fraternal and supportive humanity,” they say.
“Every Christmas should bring us closer to the definitive Easter when humanity, opting for good, will reach the place where ‘every tear will dry from its eyes and there will be no more death, nor will there be crying, nor shouting, nor fatigue, because the old world has passed away.’ (Rev 21:4)”, they added.
Finally, they highlighted the beginning of the Jubilee Year 2025, which Pope Francis has called to live under the Pauline motto of Hope does not disappoint (Rom 5, 5)and which the Venezuelan bishops echo, stating that “true hope resides only in God.”
“We know that, just as he came in the fragility of our flesh, one day he will appear glorious to establish new heavens and earth where love and justice reign. Let’s build a Merry Christmas for everyone!” they concluded.
Andres Henriquez
I have been a writer for ACI Prensa and a correspondent for EWTN since 2023. Since then, I have covered events in the Catholic Church in Venezuela and Latin America. I have more than 5 years of experience in bilingual media. Additionally, in Venezuela I have worked with non-governmental organizations in favor of freedom and respect for human rights in the country. I have been a member of the Regnum Christi Federation since 2014.