Indian Bishops: Education and the Pope’s Peace Message
by Nirmala Carvalho
Reflecting on the words of Benedict XVI during the 45th World Day for Peace, the Bishops spokesman emphasizes the role of Catholics in the development of the country. The education of new generations for "a real social and economic justice." Only God is the guarantor of peace.
Delhi (AsiaNews) - Education is "a mission" for the Church because it helps instill in young people the values of "truth, justice and peace" which Christ has laid down as fundamental principles of his kingdom. This is what Fr Babu Joseph, spokesman of the Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), tells AsiaNews commenting on the pope's words at the 45th World Peace Day - celebrated on January 1 last - and in anticipation of the meeting of the General Committee of the CBCI, held in Bangalore ( Karnataka) from 1 to 8 February. In the Indian context, adds Fr Babu, education acquires an even higher value because it is still far from "a real social and economic justice", while the truth "is sometimes obscured" for expediency.
At the start of 2012, the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God 45th World Day of Peace, which focuses on the theme "Educating young people for justice and peace," Benedict XVI said today that the world is experiencing a " critical educational challenge. " For the pope, "education begins in the family and develops in schools and with other learning experiences", it also offers an essential contribution to the religious communities. The Pope also clarified that "peace is never a fully achieved a good, but a goal to which all must aspire and towards which we must all work" which is the result of "concrete gestures of reconciliation, justice."
Fr. Babu Joseph, a member of the Central Executive Committee of the University of Kerala, confirms the "critical" situation faced by youth today, who grow up in a culture marked by "relativism and the absence of God." As Benedict XVI said, no ideology can guarantee peace to the individual, because "only God can." The Indian priest hopes that the new generations are imbued with the values of "peace and justice", so they may form a conscience "that shows them what is right and true."
Broadening the discussion at the recent meeting of the General Committee of the CBCI, focused on the "Role of the Church for a better indication," he raises the "hopes and aspirations" of the nation that wants to grow "strong and vibrant" in this context, the bishops spokesman adds, the Church "can play the right role" in making India "a better place for all citizens", thanks to the resources and infrastructure "created over the years." "Social cohesion and fairness - says the priest - are non-negotiable principles [... and] most social problems are due to the lack of ethics in individuals and in society." To overcome the socio-economic problems, said Father Babu Joseph, we must educate "the new generation according to the right values."
At the start of 2012, the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God 45th World Day of Peace, which focuses on the theme "Educating young people for justice and peace," Benedict XVI said today that the world is experiencing a " critical educational challenge. " For the pope, "education begins in the family and develops in schools and with other learning experiences", it also offers an essential contribution to the religious communities. The Pope also clarified that "peace is never a fully achieved a good, but a goal to which all must aspire and towards which we must all work" which is the result of "concrete gestures of reconciliation, justice."
Fr. Babu Joseph, a member of the Central Executive Committee of the University of Kerala, confirms the "critical" situation faced by youth today, who grow up in a culture marked by "relativism and the absence of God." As Benedict XVI said, no ideology can guarantee peace to the individual, because "only God can." The Indian priest hopes that the new generations are imbued with the values of "peace and justice", so they may form a conscience "that shows them what is right and true."
Broadening the discussion at the recent meeting of the General Committee of the CBCI, focused on the "Role of the Church for a better indication," he raises the "hopes and aspirations" of the nation that wants to grow "strong and vibrant" in this context, the bishops spokesman adds, the Church "can play the right role" in making India "a better place for all citizens", thanks to the resources and infrastructure "created over the years." "Social cohesion and fairness - says the priest - are non-negotiable principles [... and] most social problems are due to the lack of ethics in individuals and in society." To overcome the socio-economic problems, said Father Babu Joseph, we must educate "the new generation according to the right values."
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