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Madrid, Spain, 6th September
2004 (CNA) -
Addressing thousands of
faithful together with political leaders gathered in the
Cathedral of Palencia, Spain, to celebrate its patron
saint, St. Antolin, Bishop Rafael Palmero of Palencia
denounced the “pulverization of religious culture” in
Spain by the socialist government.
During his homily Bishop
Palmero said, “The Catholic Church in Europe today is
concerned, since this pulverization is occurring in
Spain as well with the socialist government.”
“To all this must be added
the increasing lack of belief among women, who have
always been the ones to hand on the faith in the
family,” he said.
Referring to the current
moral crisis in the country, the bishop also said, “The
resurgence of new religious movements and the sirens of
secularization are alarming.” In the midst of this
situation, Bishop Palmero pointed to signs of hope, such
as the presence and action of the Church in the American
continent. “America is the continent of hope
for Catholicism,” he added.
During his homily, Bishop
Palmero encouraged the faithful to follow in the
footsteps of the patron saint. “St. Antolin gave
an example with his life of constant witness to the
faith he professed. He knew how to do it, sealing
his preaching and his witness with his own blood,” he
said.
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