History / Histoire
Executive
Committee
Bureau
Main Events
Principaux
évènements
Texts / Textes
Regions / Régions
Newsletter
Bulletin
International
Cooperation
Coopération
internationale
Links / Liens
Site Map
Plan du Site
Contact us
Contactez-nous
Palazzo San Calisto, 00120 VATICAN CITY (Phone/Fax: +39 06 6988 7372 - http://www.fiamc.org)
Executive Director: Mrs Isabelle Biondi
CHRISTMAS LETTER 2005
22th December 2005
Introductory words
Dr François BlinThe main events which left their marks on the year 2005 were not only the loss of our beloved Holy Father John-Paul II, and the election of Benedict XVI, but also of course the increase of the natural disasters, from the asian tsunami (26th December 2004, more than 220 000 deaths), to the american hurricanes (Louisiana, Yucatan ...), and the earthquake in Pakistan (8th October 2005, 87 000 deaths), which were calls to our humanitarian help.
At the same time the old, as well as the new bioethical challenges (use of stem cells, cloning ...), have daily called us to a more enlightened conscience, and more sensibility to the lights of the Holy Spirit, helped by the prayer and the teachings of the Church.
May the Christmas feasts bring you all what you need !
Here are a few news and texts since our Summer Letter.General Assembly of the Conference of the
International Catholic Organisations
Jerusalem, 18-22th November 2005A dynamic CICO General Assembly took place in Jerusalem in November 2005. The Sunday was dedicated to a peace message sent with the local Catholic community. Almost all participating organizations were represented by their leaders. Presentations during the GA permitted to evaluate the continuity and progress over the last four years. But to keep up, more orientation towards issues of International Organizations is demanded. A tragedy was that Patricio Rode, the foreseen new President, left us for ever just these days. The board was reinforced by Caritas (CI), Migration (CICM), Young Students (JECI) and the Press (UCIP); FIMCAP, MIEC, Unum Omnes and UMOFC had finished ther term. Youth, Communication, Education and Values, Engagement and Education in an Inter Religious Environment, Migration, Bioethics. Family and the Future CICO are the upcoming topics.
Ernest König, President CICO
| Report on Bioethics | Rapport sur la Bioéthique |
| A resolution on Bioethics (Information of ICOs regarding news on bioethics as well as the elaboration of proposals for concrete actions…) had been proposed by FIAMC at the 2003 general assembly in Rome , following a worldwide increased interest in bioethics. The idea was to : The information mainly revolved around two axes: 1) UNESCO 2) The Council of Europe: At the end of 2003 the Commission on Social Affairs (Reporter: Dick Marty from Switzerland) elaborated a resolution project in favour of euthanasia despite the counter advice received from the Human Rights Commission. FIAMC, FIPC, Crescendo and other very worried ICOs sent a number of documents to the parliamentarians and representatives of the European Council denouncing the danger of the proposed text. This action will continue if the partisans of euthanasia continue to enforce their views. However, other bioethics issues are generated within national and international assemblies and it is important to remain alert and to act as one. | Une résolution sur la Bioéthique (Information des OIC concernées par les actualités en bioéthique et élaboration de propositions d'actions concrètes...) avait été proposée par la FIAMC à la précédente assemblée Générale de 2003 à Rome, l'actualité internationale en bioéthique étant de plus en plus importante. L'idée était: En pratique, l'information s'est essentiellement faite autour de deux axes: 1) UNESCO 2) Conseil de l'Europe: fin 2003, la Commission des Affaires Sociales (Rapporteur: Dick Marty, Suisse) a élaboré un projet de résolution en faveur de l'euthanasie, malgré l'avis contraire de la Commission des Droits de l'Homme. La FIAMC, la FIPC, Crescendo, et d'autres OIC, très inquiets, ont adressé à de nombreux parlementaires et représentants au Conseil de l'Europe plusieurs textes dénonçant l'incurie du texte qui leur était proposé. Cette action se poursuivra en cas de récidive des partisans de l'euthanasie. Mais d'autres problèmes bioéthiques se pointent auprès de différentes assemblées nationales et internationales, et il convient d'être vigilants, et d'agir en concertation. |
Human dignity is not diminished by genetic defects
VATICAN CITY, NOV 19, 2005 (VIS) - This morning,, the Pope received participants in the 20th international conference promoted by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry. This year the conference - which is being held in the Vatican from November 17 to 19 - was considering the subject of the human genome.In his address, the Pope affirmed that the Church has the possibility of illuminating consciences so that scientific discoveries "may serve for the integral good of the person, in constant respect for his or her dignity."
"Believers," said the Pope, "well know that the Gospel is in intrinsic harmony with the values inscribed in human nature. The image of God is so strongly impressed on man's soul that it difficult for the voice of conscience to be completely silenced. ... Even people who no longer recognize themselves as members of the Church, or who have lost the light of faith, remain attentive to human values and to the positive contribution the Gospel can make to individual and social good."
Benedict XVI went on to highlight the fact that people of our time "are capable of understanding that the dignity of man is not identified with the genes of his DNA, and does not diminish in the presence of any physical diversity or genetic defects. The principle of 'non discrimination' on the basis of physical or genetic factors has entered profoundly into people's consciences and is formally expressed in the Charter of Human Rights. This principle has its most authentic roots in the dignity intrinsic to each human being by the fact of having been created in the image and likeness of God." An analysis of scientific data reveals the dignity of human life "from the first moment of fecundation," he added.
After pointing out how the Church "announces and presents this truth, not only with the authority of the Gospel but also with the strength deriving from reason," the Holy Father affirmed: "It is necessary to guard against the risks of a science and technology that seek complete autonomy from the moral norms written into human nature."
The Pope then went on to mention the need "of giving fresh impulse to pastoral health care ministry" through "a renewal and a deepening of pastoral activity itself, bearing in mind the increased awareness spread by the media in society, and the higher level of education of the people to whom it is addressed.
"We cannot ignore the fact that, ever more frequently, not only legislators but citizens themselves are called to express their view on complex scientific problems. If adequate education - or indeed an adequate formation of consciences - is lacking, false values and misleading information may easily prevail in orienting public opinion."
Benedict XVI concluded by making reference to the applications of genetic engineering, which requires , he said, "a thorough and limpid formation of consciences. Modern scientific discoveries affect the lives of families, involving them in unforeseen and delicate choices which must be faced responsibly." In this context, he stressed that pastoral health care ministry "needs well trained and competent professionals."
Vatican Information Service, 21th november 2005
Contraceptive dangers: concerns continue over harmful side effects
Contraceptives aren't always as safe as some publicity campaigns for sex education would indicate. A recent stream of reports has warned of health risks associated with some types of contraceptives.
The latest came last week, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that the Ortho Eve birth-control patch exposes users to more hormones than previously disclosed, the Associated Press reported Nov. 11. The higher level of hormones brings an increased risk of blood clots and other serious side effects.
Previously, both regulators and the manufacturer of the patch, Ortho-McNeil, had maintained that the product had risks similar to those of the contraceptive pill, the news report said. But after the FDA announcement, the patches must now carry a strongly worded warning label, notifying users that they will be exposed to about 60% more estrogen than those using typical birth-control pills.
The Associated Press has published a number of reports on problems caused by the patch. Using federal death and injury reports, it found that about a dozen women, most in their late teens and early 20s, died in 2004 from blood clots believed to be related to the birth-control patch. Dozens more survived strokes and other clot-related problems.
On July 16 the news agency reported that Ortho-McNeil has spent millions of dollars advertising the patch. Promotion methods also included selling the patch directly to consumers. The ad campaign won awards for the company from industry groups in the United States and Europe.
As a result of the publicity, in less than three years more than 5 million women in the United States tried the patch. American sales of Ortho Evra in 2004 were estimated at $400 million, or 15% of the U.S. market.Cancer risk
Oral contraceptives also have their risks. On July 29 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released a monograph publishing findings showing that combined estrogen-progesterone oral contraceptives are carcinogenic to humans. The conclusion was formed after a thorough review of the published scientific evidence.
The research was carried out by a working group, comprising 21 scientists from eight countries. The IARC is the cancer research agency of the World Health Organization.
According to Peter Boyle, director of IARC, about 10% of all women of reproductive age now use combined hormonal contraceptives. The additional cancer risks are also associated with hormonal menopausal therapy, which at its peak around 2000 involved about 20 million women in developed countries.
The report concluded that there is a small increase in the risk of breast cancer in current and recent users of oral contraceptives. The risk for women appears to return to normal only 10 years after they cease using these contraceptives.
Oral contraceptives are also associated with a risk of cervical cancer, a risk that increases with duration of their use. The researchers further found that the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma -- a cancer that arises from hepatocytes, the major cell type of the liver -- rises for long-term users of combined oral contraceptives in populations with low incidence of hepatitis B infection and chronic liver disease. The latter are two major causes of human liver cancer.
The monograph did find that the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer decreases in women who used combined oral contraceptives. The scholarly article observed that a rigorous risk/benefit analysis of oral contraceptives would be useful to put the effects in perspective and assess the overall consequences for public health.
Gian Luigi Gigli, president of the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations, issued a press release Aug. 3 commenting on the IARC study. He noted that its results shed new light on the prophetical value of Pope Paul VI\'s \"Humanae Vitae\" and Pope John Paul II\'s \"Evangelium Vitae.\" Gigli argued that the IARC study should encourage Catholic doctors to promote the methods of natural family planning.Depression
Another problem associated with oral contraceptives is depression. According to a study carried out by Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, women taking the pill are almost twice as likely to have depression as those not taking it, the Sydney Morning Herald reported March 1.
The researchers recommended that a larger study is needed to examine in more detail the problem, given that they examined only 62 women. Levels of depression were assessed by each woman and an interviewer at two-month intervals. The women on the pill had a depression rating of 17.6, compared with 9.8 in the others. None of the women had a history of depression.
Jayashri Kulkarni, director of the Alfred Psychiatry Research Center, described the level of depression found in those women taking the pill as moderately severe.
Another type of contraceptive, the injectable Depo-Provera, is associated with problems of bone density loss, reported the Canadian newspaper Vancouver Sun on July 1. The federal agency Health Canada issued an advisory to warn women that the injections may cause significant bone density loss and should be used for the shortest period possible.
That advisory, the Vancouver Sun noted, came seven months after the FDA in the United States warned of possible irreversible bone loss in women who use Depo-Provera. The manufacturer of the contraceptive, Pfizer Canada, also sent a letter to doctors advising them of the risk.
The warning is based on new studies in women aged 25 to 35, and one with adolescents aged 12 to 18. Research found that the longer Depo-Provera is used, the more bone mineral density may be lost, and that it may not return completely, once women come off the shots.
\"This is of particular concern when Depo-Provera is used in adolescence [teenager years] when bone mineral density should instead be increasing,\" Pfizer says in an advisory.
According to the Vancouver Sun, 629,000 prescriptions were filled for the injectable contraceptive in Canada in the 12-month period ending October 2004.Campaigns in favor
In spite of the risks associated with contraceptives, efforts continue to increase their use. The BBC reported Oct. 26, for instance, that a body advising the National Health Service in England and Wales, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, is advocating the use of long-acting contraceptives.
But, the BBC noted, observers have warned that encouraging increased use of these methods could help fuel promiscuity and the rise of sexually transmitted infections. Norman Wells, director of Family and Youth Concern, said money would be best spent highlighting the benefits of faithful and long-term relationships rather than indiscriminately promoting contraception.
In the United States last December, a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 7.4% of sexually active women were not using contraceptives. Commenting Jan. 1 in the Washington Times on the report, Pia de Solenni, director of life and women\'s issues at the Family Research Council, criticized the report for suggesting that those women were placing themselves at risk.
Apart from the fact that some women want to become pregnant, de Solenni observed that most contraceptive devices do not protect against the majority of sexually transmitted diseases. She also suggested that many women are concerned about the adverse health effects of contraceptives.
\"In essence,\" de Solenni stated, \"some women who choose not to use contraceptives could be women who are sincerely concerned for their own health and well-being.\" A point of view that is receiving more and more support from scientific studies.
New York, Nov. 19, 2005 (Zenit.org)
| Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for the XIV World Day of the Sick | Message de Sa Sainteté le Pape Benoît XVI pour la XIVª Journée Mondiale du Malade |
| Dear Brothers and Sisters, The World Day of the sick will be held on 11 February 2006, the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin of Lourdes. Last year this Day was held in the Marian sanctuary of Mvolyé in Yaoundé, and on that occasion the faithful and their pastors, in the name of the whole of the continent of Africa, reaffirmed their pastoral commitment to the sick. The next World Day of the Sick will be in Adelaide, in Australia, and the events will culminate in the celebration of the Eucharist in the cathedral dedicated to St. Francesco Saverio, the untiring missionary of the populations of the East. On that occasion, the Church intends to bow with especial solicitude to the suffering, calling the attention of public opinion to the problems connected with mental disturbance, which by now afflicts a fifth of mankind and constitutes a real and authentic social-health care emergency. Remembering the attention that my venerated predecessor John Paul II gave to this annual event, I, too, dear brothers and sisters, would like to make myself spiritually present at the World Day of the Sick, so as to pause to reflect, in harmony with those taking part, on the situation of the mentally ill in the world and to call for the commitment of the Church communities to bear witness to the tender mercy of God towards them. In many countries, legislation in this field does not yet exist and in other countries a precise policy on mental health is absent. It should also be observed that the prolongation of armed conflicts in various areas of the world, the succession of terrible natural catastrophes, and the spread of terrorism, in addition to causing a shocking number of deaths, have also created mental traumas in not a few survivors, whose recovery at times is difficult. And in countries with high economic development, the experts recognise that at the origin of new forms of mental disturbance we may also find the negative impact of the crisis of moral values. This increases the sense of loneliness, undermining and even breaking down traditional forms of social cohesion, beginning with the institution of the family, and marginalising the sick, and especially the mentally ill, who are often seen as a burden for their families and the community. I would like here to thank those who work in various ways and at various levels to ensure that the spirit of solidarity does not decline and that people persevere in looking after these brothers and sisters of ours, basing themselves on human and Gospel-based ideals and principles. I thus encourage the efforts of those who work to ensure that all mentally ill people are given access to necessary forms of care and treatment. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world the services for these sick people are lacking, insufficient or in a state of decay. The social context does not always accept the mentally ill, with their limitations, and for this reason, as well, difficulties are encountered in securing the human and financial resources that are needed. One perceives the need to integrate in a better way the tandem appropriate therapy and a new sensitivity towards disturbance so as to enable workers in this sector, in a more effective way, to help these sick people and their families, who on their own would not be able to take care of their relatives in difficulty in an adequate way. The next World Day of the Sick is a suitable occasion to express solidarity to families who have mentally sick people dependent upon them. I would here like to address myself to you, dear brothers and sisters burdened by illness, so as to invite you to offer your condition of suffering, together with Christ, to the Father, certain that every ordeal received with resignation is meritorious and draws the benevolence of God upon the whole of mankind. I express my appreciation to those who help and care for you in residential centres, day hospitals and wards providing diagnosis and treatment, and I exhort them to strive to ensure that medical, social and pastoral assistance for those in need which respects the dignity specific to every human being is never absent. The Church, in particular through the work of chaplains, will not fail to offer you her own help, being well aware that she is called to express the love and care of Christ for those who suffer and for those who look after them. I commend pastoral workers and voluntary associations and organisations to support &endash; in practical forms and through practical initiatives &endash; those families who have mentally ill people dependent upon them, in relation to whom I hope that the culture of welcoming and sharing will grow and spread, as a result, also, of suitable laws and health-care programmes that envisage sufficient resources for their practical application. The training and updating of the personnel who work in such a very delicate sector of society is as urgent as ever before. Every Christian, according to his specific task and specific responsibility, is called to make his contribution so that the dignity of these brothers and sisters of ours is recognised, respected and promoted. Duc in altum! This invitation of Christ to Peter and the Apostles I address to the Church communities spread throughout the world and in a special way to those who are at the service of the sick, so that, with the help of Mary Salus infirmorum, they may bear witness to the goodness and the paternal solicitude of God. May the Holy Virgin comfort those who are afflicted by illness and support those who, like the Good Samaritan, soothe their corporeal and spiritual wounds! I assure each one of you that you will be remembered in my prayers, and I willingly impart my Blessing on you all. From the Vatican, 8 December 2005 | Chers frères et sœurs, Le 11 février 2006, mémoire liturgique de la Bienheureuse Vierge de Lourdes, se tiendra la 14° Journée Mondiale du Malade. L'an dernier, la Journée a été célébrée au Sanctuaire marial de Mvolyé à Yaoundé et à cette occasion, les fidèles et leurs pasteurs, au nom de tout le Continent africain, ont réaffirmé leur engagement pastoral pour les malades. La prochaine Journée aura lieu à Adelaïde, en Australie, et les manifestations seront couronnées par la Célébration eucharistique dans la Cathédrale consacrée à Saint François Xavier, missionnaire infatigable des populations d'Orient. À cette occasion, l'Église désire se pencher avec une sollicitude particulière sur les malades, en mobilisant l'attention de l'opinion publique sur les problèmes liés aux troubles mentaux, qui frappent désormais un cinquième de l'humanité et constituent une véritable émergence sanitaire. Rappelant l'attention que mon vénéré prédécesseur Jean-Paul II réservait à cette célébration annuelle, moi aussi, chers frères et sœurs, je voudrais être présent spirituellement à la Journée Mondiale du Malade, pour réfléchir en syntonie avec les participants sur la situation des malades mentaux dans le monde et pour solliciter l'engagement des communautés ecclésiales à leur manifester la tendre miséricorde du Seigneur. Dans de nombreux pays, il n'y a pas encore de législation en la matière et dans d'autres, une politique définie pour la santé mentale fait défaut. Ensuite, il faut noter que la durée des conflits armés dans diverses régions de la terre, la succession de catastrophes naturelles effroyables, la diffusion du terrorisme, outre à provoquer un nombre impressionnant de morts, ont engendré chez de nombreux rescapés des traumatismes psychiques, souvent irréversibles. Ensuite, dans les pays qui vivent un développement économique important, les experts reconnaissent à l'origine des nouvelles formes de mal-être mental l'incidence négative de la crise des valeurs morales. Cela accroît le sentiment de solitude, minant et même clivant les formes traditionnelles de cohésion sociale, à commencer par l'institution de la famille, et marginalisant les malades, surtout les malades mentaux, considérés souvent comme un fardeau pour la famille et la communauté. Je voudrais reconnaître ici le mérite de tous ceux qui, de diverses manières et à différents niveaux, œuvrent afin que l'esprit de solidarité ne manque pas, mais que l'on continue à prendre soin de nos frères et sœurs, en s'inspirant aux idéaux et aux principes humains et évangéliques. Voilà pourquoi j'encourage les efforts de tous ceux qui s'emploient afin que les soins nécessaires soient donnés aux malades mentaux. Malheureusement, dans beaucoup de parties du monde, les services pour ces malades semblent manquer, ils sont insuffisants ou dans un état de désintégration. Le contexte social n'accepte pas toujours les malades mentaux et leurs limitations, c'est aussi pour cela qu'on arrive difficilement à trouver les ressources humaines et financières nécessaires. On ressent la nécessité de mieux intégrer le binôme thérapie appropriée et sensibilité nouvelle face au malaise, de manière à permettre aux personnels de ce secteur d'aller toujours davantage à la rencontre de ces malades et de leurs familles qui, seules, ne sont pas capables de suivre comme il faudrait les parents en difficulté. La prochaine Journée Mondiale du Malade est une occasion opportune pour manifester la solidarité aux familles qui ont à charge des personnes malades mentales. À présent, je désire m'adresser à vous, chers frères et sœurs éprouvés par la maladie, afin de vous inviter à offrir avec le Christ votre condition de souffrance au Père, dans la certitude que chaque épreuve acceptée avec résignation est méritoire et attire la bienveillance divine sur toute l'humanité. J'exprime mon appréciation à tous ceux qui vous assistent dans les centres d'accueil, dans les Hôpitaux de jour, dans les centres de diagnostic et de soins et je les exhorte à se prodiguer, afin que rien ne manque jamais à ceux qui ont besoin d'une assistance médicale, sociale et pastorale, respectueuse de la dignité propre à chaque être humain. L'Église, surtout par l'action des aumôniers, ne manquera pas de vous offrir son aide, étant bien consciente d'être appelée à manifester l'amour et la sollicitude du Christ envers tous ceux qui souffrent et envers ceux qui en prennent soin. Aux personnels de la santé, aux organisations et associations du bénévolat, je recommande de soutenir, par des formes et des initiatives concrètes, les familles qui ont à charge des malades mentaux, envers lesquels je souhaite que s'intensifie et se propage la culture de l'accueil et du partage, grâce également à des lois adaptées et à des programmes sanitaires qui prévoient des ressources suffisantes pour leur application concrète. La formation et la mise à jour du personnel qui travaille dans un secteur aussi délicat de la société s'avèrent donc plus urgentes que jamais. Selon sa propre mission et sa responsabilité, tout chrétien est appelé à donné sa contribution afin que soit reconnue, respectée et encouragée la dignité de ces frères et sœurs. Duc in altum! Cette exhortation du Christ à Pierre et aux apôtres, je l'adresse aux communautés ecclésiales répandues dans le monde et, plus spécialement, à ceux qui sont au service des malades, afin que, avec l'aide de Marie, Salus infirmorum, ils témoignent la bonté et la sollicitude paternelle de Dieu. Que la Vierge Sainte réconforte tous ceux qui sont frappés par la maladie et soutienne ceux qui, comme le bon Samaritain, en soulagent les blessures corporelles et spirituelles. À chacun, j'assure un souvenir dans la prière, tandis que j'impartis volontiers ma bénédiction à tous. Au Vatican, le 8 décembre 2005 |
| Mensaje del Papa Benedicto XVI para la XIV Jornada Mundial del Enfermo | Messaggio del Santo Padre Benedetto XVI in occasione della XIV Giornata Mondiale del Malato |
| Queridos hermanos y hermanas: El 11 de febrero del 2006, memoria litúrgica de la Bienaventurada Virgen de Lourdes, se celebrará la 14ª Jornada Mundial del Enfermo. El año pasado la Jornada se desarrolló en el Santuario mariano de Mvolyé en Yaoundé, y en esa ocasión, en nombre de todo el Continente africano, los fieles y sus Pastores reafirmaron su compromiso pastoral a favor de los enfermos. La próxima Jornada se celebrará en Adelaide, Australia, y las manifestaciones culminarán con la Celebración eucarística en la Catedral dedicada a San Francisco Javier, incansable misionero de las poblaciones de Oriente. En esa oportunidad, la Iglesia desea inclinarse con particular solicitud sobre las personas que sufren, llamando la atención de la opinión pública sobre los problemas ligados con la dificultad mental, que afecta a un quinto de la humanidad y constituye una real y verdadera emergencia socio-sanitaria. Al recordar la atención que mi venerado predecesor Juan Pablo II dedicaba a esta manifestación anual, también yo, queridos hermanos y hermanas, quisiera estar presente espiritualmente en la Jornada Mundial del Enfermo para detenerme a reflexionar en sintonía con los participantes sobre la situación de los enfermos mentales en el mundo y solicitar el compromiso de las Comunidades eclesiales dando testimonio de la tierna misericordia del Señor. En muchos Países aún no existe una legislación al respecto y en otros falta todavía una política bien definida sobre la salud mental. Asimismo, hay que notar que la prolongación de conflictos armados en varias regiones de la tierra, el acontecimiento de terribles catástrofes naturales, la expansión del terrorismo, además de causar un número impresionante de muertos, han generado en no pocos supérstites traumas psíquicos, de los que difícilmente se recuperan. En los Países que cuentan con un elevado desarrollo económico, los expertos reconocen también como origen de nuevas formas de transtorno mental la influencia negativa de la crisis de los valores morales. Esto aumenta el sentido de soledad, minando e incluso disgregando las tradicionales formas de cohesión social, comenzando por el instituto de la familia y marginando a los enfermos, especialmente aquellos mentales, a menudo considerados como un peso para la familia y para la comunidad. Quisiera hacer resaltar aquí el mérito de quienes, en formas y niveles diferentes, trabajan para que no disminuya el espíritu de solidaridad, y se persevere más bien en la atención a estos hermanos y hermanas nuestros, inspirándose en ideales y principios humanos y evangélicos. Por tanto, animo los esfuerzos de quienes trabajan para que se otorgue a todos los enfermos mentales el acceso a los cuidados necesarios. Lamentablemente, en muchas partes del mundo los servicios a favor de estos enfermos son carentes, insuficientes o en ruina. El contexto social no siempre acepta a los enfermos de mente con sus limitaciones, y también debido a esto hay dificultad para lograr los necesarios recursos humanos y financieros. Se advierte la necesidad de integrar mejor el binomio terapia adecuada y nueva sensibilidad frente a la dificultad, de modo que se permita a los agentes del sector salir al encuentro con mayor eficacia de los enfermos y de las familias que por sí solos no tienen la capacidad de seguir adecuadamente a sus familiares en dificultad. La próxima Jornada Mundial del Enfermo es una circunstancia oportuna para manifestar solidaridad a las familias que tienen a su cargo a personas enfermas de mente. Deseo dirigirme ahora a vosotros, queridos hermanos y hermanas afligidos por la enfermedad, para invitarles a ofrecer junto con Cristo vuestra condición de sufrimiento al Padre, con la seguridad de que cada prueba acogida con resignación tiene merecimiento y atrae la benevolencia divina sobre toda la humanidad. Manifiesto mi aprecio hacia quienes les asisten en los centros residenciales, en los Day Hospital, en los Departamentos de diagnósticos y cuidados, y los exhorto para que hagan todo lo posible a fin de que nunca falte al necesitado la asistencia médica, social y pastoral que respete la dignidad propia de cada ser humano. La Iglesia, especialmente mediante la obra de los capellanes, no dejará de ofrecerles su ayuda, ya que está totalmente convencida de que está llamada a manifestar el amor y la solicitud de Cristo hacia los que sufren y los que se ocupan de ellos. A los agentes pastorales, a las asociaciones y organizaciones del voluntariado recomiendo que sostengan, con formas e iniciativas concretas, a las familias que tienen a su cargo enfermos mentales, a favor de los cuales auspicio que aumente y se difunda la cultura de la acogida y de la comparticipación, gracias también a leyes adecuadas y a planos sanitarios que prevean recursos suficientes para su aplicación concreta. Urge la formación y la actualización del personal que trabaja en un sector tan delicado de la sociedad. Cada cristiano, según su propia tarea y su responsabilidad, está llamado a brindar su aporte a fin de que se reconozca, se respete y se promueva la dignidad de estos hermanos nuestros. Duc in altum! Esta invitación de Cristo a Pedro y a los Apóstoles la dirijo a las Comunidades eclesiales esparcidas en el mundo y, de manera especial, a los que están al servicio de los enfermos, porque con la ayuda de María Salus infirmorum, den testimonio de la bondad y de la paternal solicitud de Dios. La Virgen Santa consuele a los que están marcados por la enfermedad y sostenga a los que, como el buen Samaritano, suavizan las llagas corporales y espirituales. A cada uno aseguro un recuerdo en la oración, mientras gustoso imparto a todos mi Bendición. Desde el Vaticano, 8 de diciembre de 2005. | Cari fratelli e sorelle, l'11 febbraio 2006, memoria liturgica della Beata Vergine di Lourdes, si terrà la 14ª Giornata Mondiale del Malato. Lo scorso anno la Giornata si è svolta nel Santuario mariano di Mvolyé a Yaoundé, e in quell'occasione i fedeli ed i loro Pastori, a nome dell'intero Continente africano, hanno riaffermato il loro impegno pastorale per gli ammalati. La prossima sarà ad Adelaide, in Australia, e le manifestazioni culmineranno con la Celebrazione eucaristica nella Cattedrale dedicata a San Francesco Saverio, infaticabile missionario delle popolazioni dell'Oriente. In tale circostanza, la Chiesa intende chinarsi con particolare sollecitudine sui sofferenti, richiamando l'attenzione della pubblica opinione sui problemi connessi col disagio mentale, che colpisce ormai un quinto dell'umanità e costituisce una vera e propria emergenza socio-sanitaria. Ricordando l'attenzione che il mio venerato predecessore Giovanni Paolo II riservava a questa annuale ricorrenza, anch'io, cari fratelli e sorelle, vorrei rendermi spiritualmente presente alla Giornata Mondiale del Malato, per soffermarmi a riflettere in sintonia con i partecipanti sulla situazione dei malati di mente nel mondo e per sollecitare l'impegno delle Comunità ecclesiali a testimoniare loro la tenera misericordia del Signore. In molti Paesi non esiste ancora una legislazione in materia ed in altri manca una politica definita per la salute mentale. C'è poi da notare che il prolungarsi di conflitti armati in diverse regioni della terra, il succedersi di immani catastrofi naturali, il dilagare del terrorismo, oltre a causare un numero impressionante di morti, hanno generato in non pochi superstiti traumi psichici, talora difficilmente recuperabili. Nei Paesi ad alto sviluppo economico, poi, all'origine di nuove forme di malessere mentale gli esperti riconoscono anche l'incidenza negativa della crisi dei valori morali. Ciò accresce il senso di solitudine, minando e persino sfaldando le tradizionali forme di coesione sociale, ad iniziare dall'istituto della famiglia, ed emarginando i malati, particolarmente quelli mentali, considerati sovente come un peso per la famiglia e per la comunità. Vorrei qui rendere merito a quanti, in modi e a livelli diversi, operano perché non venga meno lo spirito di solidarietà, ma si perseveri nel prendersi cura di questi nostri fratelli e sorelle, ispirandosi a ideali e principi umani ed evangelici. Incoraggio pertanto gli sforzi di chiunque si adoperi perché a tutti i malati di mente sia dato accesso alle cure necessarie. Purtroppo, in molte parti del mondo i servizi per questi malati risultano carenti, insufficienti o in stato di disfacimento. Il contesto sociale non sempre accetta i malati di mente con le loro limitazioni, e anche per questo si registrano difficoltà nel reperire le risorse umane e finanziarie di cui c'è bisogno. Si avverte la necessità di meglio integrare il binomio terapia appropriata e sensibilità nuova di fronte al disagio, così da permettere agli operatori del settore di andare incontro più efficacemente a quei malati ed alle famiglie, le quali da sole non sarebbero in grado di seguire adeguatamente i congiunti in difficoltà. La prossima Giornata Mondiale del Malato è un'opportuna circostanza per esprimere solidarietà alle famiglie che hanno a carico persone malate di mente. Desidero ora rivolgermi a voi, cari fratelli e sorelle provati dalla malattia, per invitarvi ad offrire insieme con Cristo la vostra condizione di sofferenza al Padre, sicuri che ogni prova accolta con rassegnazione è meritoria ed attira la benevolenza divina sull'intera umanità. Esprimo apprezzamento a quanti vi assistono nei centri residenziali, nei Day Hospitals, nei Reparti di diagnosi e cura, e li esorto a prodigarsi perché mai venga a mancare a chi è nel bisogno un'assistenza medica, sociale e pastorale rispettosa della dignità che è propria di ogni essere umano. La Chiesa, specialmente mediante l'opera dei cappellani, non mancherà di offrirvi il proprio aiuto, essendo ben consapevole di essere chiamata a manifestare l'amore e la sollecitudine di Cristo verso quanti soffrono e verso coloro che se ne prendono cura. Agli operatori pastorali, alle associazioni ed organizzazioni del volontariato raccomando di sostenere, con forme ed iniziative concrete, le famiglie che hanno a carico malati di mente, verso i quali auspico che cresca e si diffonda la cultura dell'accoglienza e della condivisione, grazie pure a leggi adeguate ed a piani sanitari che prevedano sufficienti risorse per la loro concreta applicazione. Quanto mai urgente è la formazione e l'aggiornamento del personale che opera in un settore così delicato della società. Ogni cristiano, secondo il proprio compito e la propria responsabilità, è chiamato a dare il suo apporto affinché venga riconosciuta, rispettata e promossa la dignità di questi nostri fratelli e sorelle. Duc in altum! Questo invito di Cristo a Pietro ed agli Apostoli lo rivolgo alle Comunità ecclesiali sparse nel mondo e, in modo speciale, a quanti sono al servizio dei malati, perché, con l'aiuto di Maria Salus infirmorum, testimonino la bontà e la paterna sollecitudine di Dio. La Vergine Santa conforti quanti sono segnati dalla malattia e sostenga coloro che, come il buon Samaritano, ne leniscono le piaghe corporali e spirituali. A ciascuno assicuro un ricordo nella preghiera, mentre volentieri imparto a tutti la mia Benedizione. Dal Vaticano, 8 Dicembre 2005 |