March, 2011

We had now made a clean break with the fazendas. We could no longer celebrate the Eucharist under the shelter of these lords of the earth. No more traveling in their cars or airplanes, no more sharing food or whiskey at their tables, no more being “assisted” at Mass by those who were systematically enslaving their lesser brothers [and sisters]. That was no longer the Lord’s Supper! We were losing the friendship of the great and facing up to them. No exploiter or profiteer from exploitation could be a godparent at a baptism, for example. We stopped accepting rides from them, we positively shunned their company and their smiles. We even ceased greeting the most barefaced offenders. (On the other hand, we were winning the trust and love of the poor and oppressed.)

– Brazilian Bishop Pedro Casaldáliga

(who narrowly missed being assassinated by those disturbed by his choices)

From his book, I Believe in Justice and Hope