The new Archbishop of Maracaibo asserted that one should not allow oneself to be overcome by pessimism

Maracaibo .- Accompanied by the two most valuable relics of the Catholic Church and devotees Zulia, the black Christ and the altarpiece with the image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá and San Juan de Dios; the new archbishop of Maracaibo, Monsignor José Luis Azuaje Ayala, took office during an overcrowded reception ceremony during which he pointed out that he was coming as "pilgrim and missionary disciple".

Prior to taking office, he had a meeting with representatives of the press, during which he pointed out that he was coming into the state as a "man." "apprentice and with a lot of love" to sow in this region.

He will follow some works executed by Bishop Ubaldo Santana, such as the Archdiocesan Project of Pastoral Renewal, Saman's food project, programs such as Solidarity Pots, strengthening of Cáritas and community organization. There is a continuity of permanent pastoral work. In some meetings, they will analyze the pastoral plan, progress and perspectives, and the necessary adjustments will be made to the new challenges, always under the ecclesial, pastoral and Christian discernment.

He recalled that the ongoing challenge of the Catholic Church is to promote human dignity, the rescue of values. " We are dehumanized, we must save those things that give meaning to life and to human beings."

He offered a message of hope and support to the people of Zulia, who are going through difficult situations, overwhelmed by the crisis that exists in the country, the problem of the l '. electricity, the migration that is more accentuated in the border populations and for which, there is a dialogue with the representatives of the sister churches grouped in 22 Episcopal Conferences working in Latin America, to take care of the Venezuelans who had to leave the country.

Education will continue to be the main focus of the Catholic Church in the region.

In his first homily as Archbishop, he urged all to engage with Jesus through the Black Christ, as the Blessed Virgin Mary said at the Wedding of Cana, "do whatever he tells you". He asked not to be defeated by pessimism, because "we must continue, we must seek peace and beauty for this region." Jesus encourages us to hope, before the unjust reality and the Church we work for the well-being of the population, especially the poorest and most vulnerable. "

For its part, Bishop Ubaldo Santana emphasized that it is a day of jubilation and expressed his satisfaction for the work that he leaves behind.He introduced his successor as the fourth Metropolitan Archbishop in the 121 years of the Diocese of Zulia and the eighth of the Apostles This diocese was founded under the slogan "Under your protection, we welcome the Holy Mother of God"

He summarized that Bishop Azuaje Ayala is from Valera, the land of Venerable José Gregorio Hernández, who has extensive spiritual, pastoral and academic training, 34 years as a priest and 19 as a bishop, was auxiliary bishop in Barquisimeto, head of the diocese of San Carlos-El Vigía and he diocese of Barinas, he is president of CEV and Caritas for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Monsignor Ubaldo Santana, at the homily says that "Christ is the guardian of our soul, do not be afraid of hardships because the Black Christ, the tree of the Cross overcomes injustice, war and hatred. The love of God can always be more, in these moments of misleading offers, which are reduced to indigence, the Lord is always with us and give us pastors to unite us, give us strength and fill us with hope . "

" Today, when I return the stick of the marabine herd, I am overwhelmed by the joy of the servants who have fulfilled their duty, I remain Archbishop Emeritus, count on my prayers and make sure that my love and prayers are assured now and always, "he said.