San Lorenzo bishop calls for working for common good, serving the needy

In San Lorenzo, Paraguay, a large congregation of Catholic faithful gathered for the central Mass and traditional procession in honor of San Lorenzo, the city's patron saint and a deacon and martyr. Bishop Joaquín Hermes Robledo of the Diocese of San Lorenzo presided over the Mass, delivering a homily that called for generosity in faith and service to the less fortunate.

The bishop reminded attendees of San Lorenzo's life and martyrdom, highlighting his dedication to serving the poor, orphans, and widows in ancient Rome. He stressed that the saint's example encourages believers to live their faith coherently and serve God and their neighbors with joy. The celebration also coincided with the Day of Deacons, prompting the bishop to extend congratulations to those serving in this capacity within the Church.

“

The example of San Lorenzo invites us to live our faith coherently and to serve God and our brothers with joy.

Connecting the feast day to the ongoing Year of the Common Good, Bishop Robledo articulated that political endeavors should aim for the welfare of all society, rather than catering solely to individual or group interests. He cited the Second Vatican Council, defining the common good as the sum of social conditions that enable individuals and groups to achieve their fullest potential more readily. This includes respecting human dignity, ensuring decent living conditions like access to food, health, work, and education, and maintaining peace and stability through a just order.

The bishop further urged believers to actively participate in society, demonstrating honesty and pursuing the common good without aligning their faith with specific ideologies or private agendas. He also reflected on the Gospel's parable of the grain of wheat, illustrating how self-sacrifice can lead to new life, implying that the faithful are called to a similar sacrificial commitment.

“

The common good is not the sum of particular interests, but the set of social conditions that allow individuals and groups to reach their own fullest perfection more quickly.