In Defense of the Poorest
Bishop Marcello Palentini, SCJ, with children.
Bishop Marcello Palentini, SCJ, is the Ordinary of San Salvador de Jujuy in Argentina. He was born in 1943, made his first profession of vows in 1961, ordained a priest in 1970, and consecrated a bishop in 1995.
From the very beginning of his episcopacy, Bishop Palentini has been involved in the defense of the poorest people in his diocese. A number of times he has been asked to mediate between opposing groups.
Cathedral in San Salvador of Jujuy
The fact that he has been supported by the people has enabled him to take very courageous and beneficial positions that differ from the ones adopted by local and national authorities. He says that his approaches are inspired by the SCJ charism which has a particular sensitivity and meaningful commitment to the poor and most neglected.
The diocese of Jujuy is large (7,756 square miles) with 527,141 inhabitants who are largely Catholic; about 60% are Indian. Multinational organizations have purchased and closed mining and sugar fields. As a result, the population is undergoing great suffering due to policies that leave little room for social development and freedom. The bishop, as head of a number of organizations, has insisted on a culture that permits a poor person to step up and take charge of his own development through work, peace, and Christian understanding.
Gold Pulpit in the Cathedral
At the pastoral level, Bishop Palentini has been promoting a plan called the New Vision of Parish. This plan calls for a 10 year program to allow Church communities to grow and mature. This was the very plan he used at General San Martin in the Chaco province when he was the pastor of a parish for 11 years prior to being named bishop.
Holy Day Procession
Last April 29, the city of Jujuy rewarded the Bishop for his work on behalf of the public welfare, bestowing the "San Salvador de Jujuy" citizenship award, a recognition in his person of the work done by the local church in its commitment to making society more human and seeking to reduce the terrible effects of the current economic crisis in Argentina.
