Satisfied with the great participation “by many segments of the population, and especially young people”. The Italian bishops, in the words of the general secretary of the CEI, Monsignor Giuseppe Baturi, underline «the liveliness of the debate which, purified from excessive polarizations, highlighted an important element: the fact, that is, that a real debate can be sparked on some key points and that the question of justice is felt with liveliness and some points of it can be addressed with a constructive dialogue”. The general secretary of the Episcopal Conference speaks of “method”, which is central when issues concern the common good: “It is right that we can discuss issues that concern the common good, in relation to which there may be a diversity of positions, to build a common home while starting from different cultural positions”.
The prelate also revealed that the Permanent Council, welcoming the idea of an association, will bring the proposal of to make Rosario Livatino, the judge murdered in 1980, the patron saint of magistrates. «A magistrate of faith, who has a lot to say in the fight against the mafia»he declared. Adding that he was killed “precisely for his justice work carried out to combat the mafia”. The proposal must reach two-thirds of the votes, after which the Holy See will express itself on the final decision. The life of the magistrate, underlined Monsignor Baturi, «is an example of how faith can ferment daily work for justice. There have been many meetings in the area about Rosario Livatino, and people have always been very involved in this example. Working for justice means seeing one’s work as a source of mission.”
At the end of the Permanent Council, which also addressed the issues of reception of the synod document, of the «condition of Christian communities that have to deal with a society marked by solitudesfamily fragilities, questions of meaning and new ones”, of transmission of the faith with the approval of a document “which offers the fundamental lines on the identity of godfathers and godmothers”of the guidelines for sustainable investments, Monsignor Baturi also expressed the «constant concern” of the Italian bishops for the international situationmarked by “very serious conflicts” and by a scenario in which “force, a logic of power, seems to dominate”. Great attention was also paid to the condition of the Christian communities in the Middle East.
On the Italian side, answering journalists’ questions, the secretary of the CEI expressed dismayed by the stabbing of the Bergamo teacher: «We are stunned», he exclaimed, adding that «the rules to stop such violence are useful but not decisive. It’s about giving young people a reason for commitment and ability: the “not at all” must then be replaced with “it’s worth it”. Behind many forms of violence there is an unreported desperation, a suffering. The educational theme must concern everyone and all areas. It’s about conveying reasons for living.”.
The secretary of the CEI did not even avoid a comment on Libera, the woman who died using an eye-controlled device from the CNR in Tuscany. “Those who suffer must be accompanied in every moment of life,” he underlined. «Death is a great mystery that must be respected in silence. In general, as a Church we must help people to live with hope by investing in the accompaniment of people and their families.” The bishop added that we need to ask ourselves whether, “when faced with situations due to unbearable suffering, do I simply take note of it or help alleviate the suffering?”.
Finally he also focused about the family in the woods asking them to turn off the cameras and remove minors from what he defined as “consumerism and communicative hedonism”. «The interests of the minor must be safeguarded» keeping in mind «two principles, which must be balanced: the responsibility of parents in the education of their children and the need for children to experience moments of socialization with their peers, such as to allow an orderly development of their personality. This requires dialogue, infinite patience and involvement of many aspects and areas, such as the school and the parish. Once the principles have been identified”, then, says Monsignor Baturi, “you have to have the courage to unplug the camera. It is neither acceptable nor admissible that children continue to be subjected to the curiosity of the entire world.”
