On the occasion of the celebration of the 201st anniversary of Bolivia's Independence, in the capital of the country, the solemn Te Deum Mass, presided over by Monsignor Ricardo Centellas, archbishop of Sucre, a ceremony that this year coincided with the liturgical feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
The celebration brought together national, departmental, and municipal authorities, as well as representatives of the Church, including Monsignor Fermín Sosa, Apostolic Nuncio in Bolivia, in addition to priests, religious, and faithful who participated in the thanksgiving for the nation.
At the beginning of the Eucharist, the archbishop expressed his gratitude for the life and history of the country, inviting Bolivians to recognize the value of their national identity. "We are gathered to give thanks to God for being part of this blessed Bolivian land. Being Bolivian, being in Bolivia, is something unique", he assured. And he asked for God's blessing for all citizens and, in a special way, for those who hold public responsibilities.
The Transfiguration, a message of hope for Bolivia
In his homily, Monsignor Centellas related the celebration of the Transfiguration of the Lord to the moment the country is experiencing. He explained that the evangelical episode presents Christ as "light, hope, and strength", and highlighted Jesus' invitation to his disciples: "Get up, do not be afraid".
The prelate pointed out that this call is especially relevant in the Bolivian reality, which faces difficulties that require hope, courage, and commitment.
"If we want to hear and assimilate this invitation from Jesus, we must work for our country", he expressed.
"It is not a passing crisis"
During his homily, the archbishop conducted an analysis of the social situation in the country. He acknowledged that Bolivia is going through a complex and long-lasting crisis. "We all know that we are in a crisis, but not a passing crisis. It is a crisis that has lasted a long time, deep", he lamented.
In light of this scenario, he indicated that the country needs fundamental transformations and stated that the solution does not depend solely on one government: "We need structural changes. No government will be able to solve this crisis, but every government can do something. Each of us can do something to change the quality of life in this country".
The archbishop insisted that the response cannot be passivity or resignation. "Not staying contemplating the crisis. I believe there are many challenges and each one can do something".
Move forward without looking back
Addressing those with government responsibilities, Monsignor Centellas asked that decisions respond to the real needs of the country. "May God especially enlighten the national, departmental, and municipal authorities so that they make the priority decisions". He added that Bolivia requires concrete responses to its problems. "What Bolivia needs is action, practical commitment”
Although he acknowledged that not all solutions are immediate, he insisted that this cannot become a reason for inaction: "Not everything can be done, but we also cannot stay there".
The archbishop also invited to look to the future with hope and responsibility, recalling the words of Jesus about the one who puts their hand to the plow and must not look back. For Monsignor Centellas, moving forward means discerning reality and taking decisions that allow responding to current challenges: "To walk and move forward, the important thing is to discern and make decisions, not so much look back".
Unity to build the future
As a conclusion to his message, the president of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference stated that the way to face the crisis will only be possible if unity and solidarity prevail among all sectors of the country: "This moving forward, without a doubt, is done in unity, in brotherhood, in fraternity, and in solidarity".
He asked that "rein the spirit of brotherhood, unity, and complementarity" among Bolivians to continue building the future of the country together, encouraged by the hope offered by the transfigured Christ.
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