Build a society based on Christian principals, says Dominican Republic bishop

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Jan 27, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Auxiliary Bishop Amancio Escapa of the Archdiocese of Santo Domingo is encouraging the faithful to work to build a country in which the Christian principles of freedom, justice and human solidarity prevail.

During a Mass marking the 192^nd anniversary of the birth of Juan Pablo Duarte, who was a leading figure in the country’s fight to gain independence, Bishop Escapa said only by maintaining of faith and working together can society’s ills be overcome.

As he reminded Dominicans that they should be the protagonists of their own development, he pointed out that many people demand rights, but they do not fulfill their duties.  He added that before demanding something from the country, one should think first of what one can do for the country.

Bishop Escapa maintained the Dominican Republic could be better if there were more dialogue in seeking out the common good, rather than fighting to impose on everyone else one’s particular interests through political quarrels, corruption and other human weaknesses that prevent development.

He added that the country’s progress depends on everyone, and that government cannot be depended on to solve every problem in society.

The Mass in honor of Juan Pablo Duarte was celebrated at the Church of St. Barbara, where he was baptized in 1813.  Bishop Escapa said Dominicans today should follow Duarte’s example of “noble ideals based on Christianity and the defense of the rights of Dominicans.”