Spread good among society, says Argentine archbishop

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Sep 22, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Archbishop Domingo Castagna of Corrientes, Argentina, called on Christians this week to spread good and live exemplary lives in response to the scandals and foolishness in today’s society and culture.

When the spiritual and cultural well being of the people is given first priority in society, “the air will begin to clear,” the bishop stated.

In addition Bishop Castagna stated, “The Lord looks for mankind to do his work.  He does not want man to become drowsy in his lazy outlook on life.  He understands that people will not work if no one hires them, and therefore He continues to hire them even at dusk.” 

“Perhaps the lack of quiet reflection cultivated in the family and in the school has led to a marked lack of conscience which tends to dangerously spread.  One example, perhaps a little superficial and insignificant, is the lack of discipline on the public roadways both by pedestrians and drivers,” the bishop added.

Education as a transcendent task, he continued, faces grave challenges in today’s world.  Violence and sex represent an unstoppable wave that benefits from the complicity of powerful and influential figures. “It’s not a question of illegally repressing them, but rather of deactivating them in each heart” through a healthy education, the bishop maintained.

“From the careful and respectful vigilance of parents, teachers and pastors, to the moral and cultural improvement of the mass media, everyone necessarily contributes to the purification and perfection of the atmosphere in society.  Thus a real humanism based on God’s plan, achieved by Christ, can be established,” he concluded.