Jesus Already Warned Us That These Things Would Happen, and He Told Us Not to Be Afraid

Letter to Consecrated Men, Women, and the Faithful—December 1, 2004

Dear children and brothers and sisters,

For some time now, there have occurred in the city some public expressions of mockery and insults against our Lord Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as several expressions against the religious and moral values that we profess. I am addressing you today deeply pained by the blasphemy perpetrated in the Recoleta Cultural Center, on the occasion of a plastic arts exhibit. I also regret that this event is being held in a Cultural Center that is supported by funds from the taxes paid by Christian people and people of good will.

Jesus had already warned us that these things would happen, and, with much tenderness, he told us not to be afraid, that we are his little flock, that we should persevere in the struggle for the faith, and in charity, waiting for him, praying with the true confidence of children to the Father who loves us.

To address this blasphemy that shames our city, I ask you, all of us together, to make an act of reparation and a prayer for forgiveness. For this reason, next December 7, the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, I invite you to make it a day of fasting and prayer, a day of penance on which, as a Catholic community, we ask the Lord to forgive our sins and those of the city. May our Mother of Luján accompany us with her affection.