An exhortation to policymakers

A pilgrimage in Montilla (Córdoba) closed the 100th plenary Assembly of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, Friday November 23. Celebrations for the Montillan Jubilee Year began October 12, marking the declaration of St. John of Avila, doctor of the Universal Church. 76 bishops and three cardinals took part in the pilgrimage: the archbishop of Madrid, CEE president, cardinal Antonio Mª Rouco Varela; cardinal Carlos Amigo Vallejo, archbishop emeritus of Seville, and cardinal card. Antonio Cañizares Llovera, prefect of the Congregation for the Divine Cult and Discipline of Sacraments. On November 26, after a procession along the roads of Montilla, cardinal Rouco officiated a Mass in the pontifical basilica where is kept the tomb of Saint John of Avila.In defence of marriage. During the plenary Assembly the bishops adopted a "Note on family legislation and the economic crisis". "The Plenary Assembly of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference – states the declaration – before the decision issued by the Constitutional Court on November 6, feels the duty to underline that current marriage legislation in Spain is very unjust". "This – explain the Spanish bishops – is because it doesn’t clearly recognize marriage institution in its specificity and it does not protect the right of the contracting parties to be recognised in the legal system as ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ in the future; nor does it recognize the child’s rights to live with hisher mother and father within a stable family. Such laws that fail to recognize or protect these basic rights are unjust laws". For the Spanish prelates, "the reform of marriage legislation is urgently needed". Policymakers are thus enjoined "to assume their responsibilities. In accordance with righteous reason, in such a crucial area, everyone should decide on the basis of their own conscience, notwithstanding party orders". "None – continue the bishops – can validate with his vote laws that so severely damage the fundamental structures of society. Catholics, in particular, must bear in mind that, as servants of the common good, they must also be consistent with their faith". "Without the family, without the protection of marriage and of birth rate, there will be no sustainable exit from the crisis. This is evidenced by the admirable example of solidarity of so many families where grandparents, children and grandchildren help move forward as can only be done in a stable and healthy family", states the Note. Close to poor families. The Note also contains a reference to the ongoing crisis: "On marriage and family life depend the future of the peoples and of society. We again express to the families who suffer most from the economic crisis, with problems of survival, lack of work and poverty, our closeness and that of the entire Catholic community. We are close to them sharing our belongings, our love and our prayers". Similarly, say the bishops, "we renew our commitment to promote the charitable dimension of the Christian community, promoting in our dioceses care for the most needy". Aid to diocesan Caritas. During the Plenary Assembly it was also decided that "the Spanish Bishops’ Conference will deliver to the diocesan Caritas € 6 million, one more than in 2011. In fact, as an exception and for the fifth consecutive year, the Plenary decided to keep this gesture of solidarity and, this time, to increase the amount of 20% compared with last year. This fact is especially relevant in a year when all other budget items have remained frozen. In total, over the past five years, the CEE has given to Caritas almost 20 million euro. 6 million euro are a special donation from the Spanish Episcopal Conference. It is a small gesture, meant as an encouragement to everyone to contribute generously to charities, especially in this time of crisis. There are already many bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful who are doing this on a permanent basis, also with special gestures. Ever more faithful volunteer and devote their time to the various organizations of the Church, in charity services for those in need.20th century martyrs. The Plenary Assembly decided that the ceremony of beatification of martyrs of the Twentieth century in Spain, scheduled for October 27, 2013, will be held in Tarragona. The chosen site has a great history of Christian faith and martyrdom. In fact, Hispanic protomartyrs are the Bishop of Tarragona, Fructuoso, and his two deacons Augurius and Eulogio. Also, this time 147 martyrs that will be beatified are from Tarragona, that includes the auxiliary bishop of the diocese, Manuel Borrás ,and 66 diocesan priests.