The Netherlands: the bishops’ message for Lent “The idea that market forces advance in all aspects of life is a form of fundamentalism”, claimed the Bishops of The Netherlands in their message for Lent issued a few days ago. “Money and assets” aren’t negative in themselves, the bishops wrote, considering that “money can positively be employed in the creation of a human society”, but “serving Mammon is a form of irreligiousness” and “also this form of (non) religion has a fundamentalist aspect. It is our belief that goods should be something else, and that market forces should bring progress in all areas of life. Those who serve Mammon don’t live the audacious adventure of life with open hands and don’t have faith in the love of God”. The financial crisis – its causes and consequences – is another topic addressed by the bishops in the Letter, that they suggest could be met with solidarity and reflection. A limit to consumption or to the use of television and the Internet could lead, according to the bishops, “to greater freedom and vigilance”. The bishops ascribe as reasons for the financial crisis and the unregulated banking flows the speculative drift in the stock market, the objective of short-term profits and speculation. Accordingly, the crisis could also be due to excessive consumption, partly funded with borrowed money. “But society isn’t helpless before the crisis. The need for a social organization capable of restoring faith to individuals is felt worldwide”, the bishops remarked. But the crisis is an opportunity to reconsider our actions for each single thing we feel responsible for, such as money and assets”. The central question raised by the bishops is “how to find the best way to manage money and assets in a period of crisis”. They suggest to fast for the season of Lent. In fact, “it is necessary to abstain from eating and drinking, and from other symbols of modernity”; which include purchases and the use of television and the Internet. “Luxury is a from of exploitation”, they concluded “and men will learn to breathe better when the coercion of luxury and excess will be broken. Also daily experiences have shown that fasting makes people more alert”. Ireland: increase in marriage preparation bookings Good news for Catholic marriage in Ireland. Father Peter Murphy, national chaplain of “Accord”, the agency of Ireland’s Bishops’ Conference who runs marriage preparation courses, positively welcomed the latest data on course attendance. Record numbers booked their pre marriage courses in January – an average of 38 couples a day. Preliminary figures indicate a 4% increase compared to the previous year. “Accord” made known that the marriage-preparation website www.gettingmarried.ie, launched in December 2005 by bishop Willie Walsh, received 5000 more ‘hits’ in 2008 than the previous year. The website provides an online Mass booklet facility and a marriage preparation timetable with relevant steps and deadlines. In recognition of this commitment, Ireland’s Minister for Family and Social Affairs allocated 3,45 million euros funding for the year 2009. The Agency’s national chairperson, Ruth Barror, said the funds would enable “Accord” to help couples “initiate, sustain and enrich their marriages particularly in the current difficult economic situation which is affecting the lives and homes of families throughout Ireland”. England: the Day for life This Year’s Day for Life – next July 26 – will focus on the theme of suicide. English Bishops declared that the Day will draw light on the fact that all life is sacred and will look at the reasons why people contemplate suicide. It will equally examine experts and professionals’ support to people affected by mental health and depression, frequent cause of suicide and will focus on the help that professional services can bring to reduce such pathologies. Indeed, the theme of suicide is a natural continuation of the theme of the 2008 Day on mental health. By so doing England’s Bishops hope to raise public awareness over the vital role played by the families and by the parish community in supporting those who suffer. For more details log on http://www.dayforlife.org.
