Lourdes
Lourdes is much more than the 72 miracles certified in 167 years since the apparitions of the Virgin to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858.
Lourdes, an important Christian destination, is characterized by its purifying water, its spiritual climate of peace and ceremonies such as the torchlight procession.
In addition to physical healings, the author experienced personal “other miracles”: a reunion with a Bolivian friend in Paris, an unexpected seat at a packed Mass with cancer survivors like himself, and the miraculous recovery of a lost hearing aid. A prayer for the healing of Bolivia from populism could not be missing, trusting in a change with the new government.
The Council of Nicaea and the Heresies of the MAS: An Analogy
As at the time of the Council of Nicaea, today in Bolivia the problem of that religious congregation that is the “Grupo de Puebla” is the heresies of the Movement Towards Socialism, MAS, based on mutiny to the absolute power of “father Evo”, the timid rebellion of the “son Andronico” and the rout of the patriarchs (David and Lucho), whereas the disoriented disciples wander toward new horizons of (Rodrigo) Paz.
The Parable of the Evil Harvester
The column allegorically critiques the mismanagement of a prosperous village by the Harvester, who reaped abundant crops without sowing or tending the land, leading to eventual decline. Despite warnings from experts, the Harvester and his loyal Cashier failed to invest in sustainable practices. The Cashier took over, planting poor-quality seeds with inadequate resources, further indebting the village while enriching his allies. Now, a new administrator, skilled in sowing, faces the daunting task of restoring the barren land amidst debts, mismanagement, and the Harvester’s lingering claims. The column questions whether the new leader will fall for the Cashier’s empty promises of future prosperity or focus on diligent sowing to ensure sustainable harvests.
The Church’s contribution to the construction of Bolivia
On Bolivia’s bicentennial of independence, the article emphasizes the Catholic Church’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s identity since before its founding, spanning education, social works, communication, culture, art, and science. Through publications by the Bishops’ Conference and the Catholic University, the Church’s missionary essence is highlighted, including training professionals in institutions like Fe y Alegría and Escuelas Don Bosco, preserving indigenous languages and cultures, creating media, and defending truth and democracy. It has provided social assistance to the marginalized where the State falls short, despite some human failings. Described as a precious jewel, the Church’s enduring legacy shines brightly in Bolivia, though not without flaws.
Rebaptizing the State
The column suggests that Bolivia should be re-baptized in order to overcome the present and chronic crisis .
The re-baptism has two times: the exorcist time of “renounces” and the healthy time of “beliefs”.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ in Art
This column is about the representation of Christ Resurrection in the Art, remarking the difficulty of interpreting an event that is beyond of human knowledge.
The “resurrection” of the dire wolf
This column is about the “de-extincion” of dire wolf specie and the implications of this scientific goal.
The Order of Love
About the interpretation by US Vice President JD Vance of the theological concept of “ordo amoris” -the order of love- and its application to migrants deportation.
PLANET WATER
This column is about the book “Agua” (water) by Dr. Hernán Vera Ruiz and some peculiar properties of the element of life
You will call him Jesus
A pregnancy involves many tasks: it changes the routine and diet of the future mother, forces her to go on a pilgrimage to the gynecologist, periodic ultrasound scans must be carried out and the logistics of receiving the future baby are planned, among other things. Even before we know the sex of the baby, we […]