Bill filed to declare October as month for pastoral appreciation

By The Star Staff

District 4 (Mayagüez-Aguadilla) Sen. Karen Román Rodríguez introduced Senate Bill 519 on Wednesday with the purpose of officially declaring the month of October of each year as the “Pastoral and Clergy of Puerto Rico Appreciation Month.”

The initiative seeks to recognize and honor the significant work carried out by religious leaders in communities throughout the island.

“Pastoral leadership has been, historically, a pillar in the social, spiritual and emotional life of our people. From our mountains to urban centers, they have accompanied our families in the hardest and most hopeful moments,” Román Rodríguez said. “This measure is an act of justice and recognition of their tireless dedication.”

Since 1994, several states in the United States and other countries have dedicated the month of October to celebrating clerical service. Puerto Rico, whose history and culture are steeped in matters of faith, recognizes that to speak of social development without mentioning faith communities is to omit an essential part of islanders’ cultural identity, the senator noted.

The measure, which has been referred to the relevant committee for evaluation, also establishes that the sitting governor must issue an official proclamation every October, urging public and private entities and citizens to join the celebration through activities that exalt the work of pastoral care and of clergy.

Government agencies will be authorized to organize recognition events, especially focused on those religious leaders who collaborate in social and community support work, without those actions being interpreted as an improper use of public funds for religious purposes.

“Beyond their spiritual role, pastors, priests, and ministers are counselors, community leaders, and in many cases, the only support some people have,” Román Rodríguez said. “They are an example of love in action and total dedication to society.”