La Paz, Bolivia, Mar 20, 2007 / 11:49 am (CNA).- The Archbishop of Santa Cruz, Cardinal Julio Terrazas Sandoval, said this week that the joy and expectation experienced during the last state of preparation for Easter is proof of the immense love that God has for the conversion of each one of His sons and daughters.

During his Sunday homily, the Cardinal said, “Reconciliation with God is the guarantee that authentic reconciliation will soon reign in Bolivia and make us truly feel like a new nation, with clear minds and hearts.”

“Bolivia’s problem is not a problem of riches or lack thereof, there are plenty.  Our problem is the total distrust of one another and the hatred and bitterness that is spreading and growing, sometimes seeking out justice.  We cannot move forward like this,” the Cardinal warned.

Regarding the controversial proposal to include the coca leaf on the national coat-of-arms, Cardinal Terrazas underscored the importance that Bolivians avoid “fighting about the conventional signs that represent a country.” He said he hoped the coat-of-arms would remain “completely free” of symbols that create division among the people. 

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