Bishop Felipe Arizmendi of San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, issued a fervent message to mark the beginning of Lent, saying that everyone is responsible for bringing about the changes that are needed in society and that all should join in efforts in favor of peace and justice.

Bishop Arizmendi also referred to native Indians, especially the young and children, who are losing their cultural identity and are ashamed of being virtuous, saying they assume the vices of the larger society, such as alcoholism and drug addiction.