.- Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino of Caracas has called on Venezuelans to remain united in Christ, ignoring attempts by the country's leaders to divide the Church.
On several previous occasions, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has attempted to influence the appointments of bishops in the country. Most recently, Chavez called Cardinal Urosa “unworthy” and a “liar,” as he expressed his desire for Bishop Mario Moronta of San Cristóbal to become a cardinal.
When there are people who wish to divide us, Cardinal Urosa stated last week, “we must unite ourselves around Jesus Christ, the Holy Father Benedict XVI … and around the bishops designated by the Holy Spirit through the Roman Pontiff.”
The cardinal also exhorted Venezuelan Catholics to acknowledge the connection between the Eucharist and holiness. This link “is something we must learn to appreciate more. For this reason, Christians are called to always practice charity, which is the queen of all virtues,” he stated.
“For a Christian not to pursue the road to holiness is a contradiction, as the Eucharist moves us in that direction.” Cardinal Urosa added that Catholics “should have an attitude of great reverence, devotion, and above all, respect for the living faith that Jesus Christ wishes to convey in the sacrament of communion that we celebrate.”
