CHURCH MUST FOSTER PASTORAL CARE OF NOMADS

VATICAN CITY, JUL 11, 2002 (VIS) - The 15th National Assembly of the Pastoral Care of Nomads took place from July 2 to 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The meeting was sponsored by the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil and Bishop Paulo Moretto, leader of the Episcopal Commission for this type of ministry, presided.

The opening address was delivered by Fr. Michael Blume, S.V.D., under secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples which examined the characteristics, problems and hopes of pastoral care for nomads (around 15 million in the whole world).

"Gypsies constitute a world characterized by marked differences and contrasts ... nevertheless they have also some features in common (ethnic identity, culture and psychology) which give them a certain degree of uniformity ... Neither welcomed nor accepted, they live isolated in their camps on the outskirts of cities, forgotten in their needs, rights and dignity. ... Gypsies often consider the Church an institution for the majority in society and some see gypsies as a small group requiring no special pastoral care which will eventually integrate with the masses of faithful. As a result, few priests dedicate themselves full time to this pastoral work." Fr. Blume went on to affirm that "many people, often even priests themselves, engaged in this activity, are isolated because of their friendship with gypsies and their desire to live with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

"This situation demands," he specified, "a pastoral care which involves gypsies themselves, as subjects and protagonists. It also means assuring that ... they can foster their vocations so that their people will be well-represented." Referring to the difficulties involved, he then cited a few: not being part of a local Church due to constant nomadism which leads to a lack of ecclesial reference, sense of Church, community and sufficient religious instruction that exposes gypsies to pressure by religious sects. "Pastoral work therefore includes the necessity to integrate the family of nomads into the hosting parish community ... the constitution of personal parishes where the circumstances so require."

In continuation, he referred to the "positive values" that characterize the gypsy world: hospitality, solidarity, strong attachment to the faith and the traditions of their ancestors. He also affirmed that these values must be "given suitable revaluation in new pastoral programs. It will be necessary to set up structures to guarantee the continuity of the process of furthering gypsies' participation in society and of their acceptance."

"In her maternal solicitude, the Church, and through the Church all those who hold responsibilities within the Church, have a duty to promote the pastoral care of nomadic peoples."

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