Bishop Criticizes Money Worship, Calls for Simplicity in Caacupé

Bishop Amancio Benítez of the Diocese of Benjamín Aceval has strongly criticized the modern-day "worship of money," urging the faithful to rediscover the value of simplicity. Speaking in the Guarani language during a mass at the Basilica of Caacupé, the bishop implored attendees to re-evaluate their priorities in a society increasingly driven by consumerism and the pursuit of material well-being.

"Our Lord asks us to strive to live with simplicity. Let us not put money first," Bishop Benítez declared to hundreds of devotees. He acknowledged that money is essential for living but cautioned against making it the central focus of existence. The bishop warned that the accumulation of wealth, the desire for appearances, and the constant pursuit of higher incomes can overshadow fundamental aspects of life such as family, solidarity, faith, and concern for one's neighbor.

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Our Lord asks us to strive to live with simplicity. Let us not put money first.

His message served as a critique of a societal trend where a person's worth is often measured by possessions, income, or outward displays. Bishop Benítez called for a return to a simpler life, where material goods occupy their rightful place. However, he also differentiated between those who seek money out of necessity and those who use it as a tool for power or accumulation. For many Paraguayan families, increased income is not a luxury but a means to cover basic needs, access medicine, feed their children, and live with dignity.

The bishop stressed that the call for simplicity should not be interpreted as an invitation to resignation in the face of hardship. Instead, it is an exhortation against allowing ambition and materialism to dominate one's life. He further highlighted the importance of strengthening solidarity and mutual aid, emphasizing that faith should be reflected in concrete actions and the capacity to share with those in difficulty. The core message questioned whether money is being used as a means to live or has become the objective of life, urging a pause to review priorities and reclaim what is often relegated to the background by economic concerns.

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Vivir con simpleza. Eso significa no perder de vista lo esencial y comprender que la verdadera riqueza no puede medirse únicamente en bienes materiales.