People of the Sea
European fishers protest
Rising fuel prices in the first half of 2008 have caused significant problems in the fishing industry leading to protests in western Europe.
The cost of fuel has increased by 30% since the beginning of the year. Fishers claim that this is threatening their livelihood. In June 2008, fishers' representatives from Spain, Portugal, France and Italy met representatives of the European Union to demand action. Meanwhile striking fishers blockaded several ports in their countries.
In Spain, the ports of Corunna and Vigo have been particularly affected. In response, the local bishops, included Bishop Luis Quinteiro Fiuza, AOS bishop promoter in Spain, have issued a statement calling for a fair solution through negotiation.
Message from the Bishops of the Province of Santiago de Compostela in response to problems in the fishing industry
June 2008, Lugo
"The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts". Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes 1
These words of the Second Vatican Council encourage us to look around us at the People of the Sea who live in our diocese and who are experiencing a difficult situation. This has caused demonstrations of protest in various forms including an indefinite blockade in the ports of Galicia.
As shepherds of the People of God who make their pilgrimage in Galicia, we share the worries of the People of the Sea and we exhort them not to lose hope.
We ask that the government departments involved take their problems into account. We are confident that, if everyone is willing to co-operate, fair solutions can always be found if we take the route of dialogue and negotiation.
The love that seafarers bear for Our Lady of Mount Carmel is, undoubtedly, a gift from God. It is the greatest inheritance which is passed from generation to generation in seafaring families. We turn to her in these moments of difficulty for the men and women of the sea. We trust that we can always count on her powerful intercession.
Julián Barrio Barrio, Archbishop of Santiago de Compostela
José Dieguez Reboredo, Bishop of Tui-Vigo
Luis Quinteiro Fiuza, Bishop of Ourense and AOS Bishop Promoter in Spain
Manuel Sánchez Monge, Bishop of Mondoñedo-Ferrol
Alfonso Carrasco Rouco, Bishop of Lugo