Church and country's institutions live with 'poverty, failures, and conflicts,' says Paraguayan bishop

During a Mass marking the 70th anniversary of the Paraguayan Episcopal Conference (CEP), Bishop Pedro Jubinville, the CEP president, delivered a homily characterized by self-criticism and reflection on Paraguay's national reality. He stated that the Church, much like other institutions in the country, experiences "poverty, failures, and conflicts." Jubinville gathered with all of Paraguay's bishops at the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Miracles of Caacupé for the central Mass.

Jubinville clarified that the CEP is not "the Church of Paraguay" but a part of it, explaining that the Church encompasses all God's people who live their faith in Christ. He noted that the Church's history in Paraguay and communion among dioceses predates the CEP's establishment seven decades ago. He compared the CEP to a seed, leaven, and salt from the Gospel, highlighting that its true power comes from the "gratuity, service, and dedication of thousands of people," despite its small size and limited resources.

While acknowledging the perception of the Church as a powerful institution due to its numerous churches, pilgrimages, and pastoral works, Jubinville asserted that it possesses significantly fewer material resources compared to organizations like the state, political parties, companies, or foundations. "We are small. We have the temptation to want to be big, prosperous, and secure, but our nature is to be like the seed that dies in the earth to bear fruit," he stated.

He extended this reflection on internal Church dynamics to the broader national institutions. "What we do, we do with poverty, with failures, with conflicts, but we live it. We know that there is no effective leaven if we do not love each other. We are very different people, diverse in our formation, in our experiences, and in our cultures. We go through crises and discussions, but we seek a unity that is not just a facade, but a true communion," Jubinville emphasized. He stressed that this reality challenges not only the bishops but all ecclesial communities and institutions.