On October 19 and 20, at the Oasis Franciscano retreat house, in the city of Itauguá, the National Coordination of Pastoral Social of Paraguay met. One of the fruits of this meeting was the elaboration of lines of action for the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which will translate into a three-year project to work on strengthening diocesan and parish social pastoral care.

During the work days, participants were able to analyze and reflect on the progress of the National Social Pastoral and the Diocesan Social Pastoral. In groups, proposals were made to strengthen the mission. The Bishop of the Diocese of San Lorenzo, Mons. Joaquín Robledo, shared the result of the systematization of agroecological production projects in 5 Dioceses. The “Bread if poison” Campaign was also presented, advocacy actions from the National Social Pastoral in alliance with other institutions and the theme and focus of the 2024 Lent Campaign.

On the 20th, the shortlist of candidates for Executive Secretary was confirmed, which will be presented at the November Assembly, when the bishops will elect new executive secretaries for the period 2024-2027.

Other points on the agenda were the area of Human Rights, for attention and monitoring of the prison situation and the situation of indigenous people. In caring for people, information is provided on the Plan to address flood emergencies, involving the unaffected dioceses to support and collaborate.

The Regional Coordinator of Cáritas Latin America and the Caribbean, Nicolás Meyer, participated in the meeting and presented the main projects and actions, their implications for national and diocesan Cáritas.

With information from Marcos Cabaña