Letter to the tourists 

WELCOME!
You have chosen these settings of the Bishopric of Girona to spend a few days’ or weeks’ holiday. You have come with
some perspectives and goals: rest, change your pace of life, to savour everything that nature offers, have more time to
devote to cultivating personal hobbies, strengthening family relationships and friendships, discovering new interesting spaces and other cultures, etc.
I hope you achieve everything you have proposed for yourself in these days. 

I, as Bishop of Girona, along with our Christian parish communities and Catholic Christians, want to welcome you with all our affection, so that you will feel “at home”.
At the same time, hoping that you spend a happy and rewarding holiday, I dare to make some suggestions to make your stay highly rewarding for you and for us. 

During the holidays don’t put your convictions and beliefs to one side, since these are days to spend in peace and serenity, to have free time and not be subjected to your normal pace of living... But your change of place, of nei- ghbours, of habits... doesn’t mean that anything goes. Remember your dignity as a person and the dignity of all people. Don’t forget your responsibilities and duties. 

Look after your life and the lives of others well. Life is a great gift of God, and it’s the rst right that must be re- spected and looked after. Avoid unnecessary risks for you and for others. Always be cautious in all the activities you undertake. 

Rest, but do all you can so that others can rest too. It’s true that you have a few days off and that you can organise your time as you see fit. But bear in mind the people who, due to their work or family responsibilities must be able to rest, especially at night, so that they can serve you. Ensuring their rest is also ensuring better services for yourself and many others. The need to enjoy yourself shouldn’t get in the way of the necessary rest of those who aren’t on holiday

During this time you’ll meet many people who will welco- me you, work for you and be at your service.Try to be kind and be grateful, because a smile that says “thank you” with sincerity, is often the best reward. 

Respecting nature is everyone’s responsibility. Don’t mess it up by scattering rubbish everywhere and not caring for plants, animals and their living space. Savour nature by respecting it. 

Thank God for the gift of having these holidays. If you’re a Catholic believer try to participate in the Eucharist on Sun- days, and if you are a Christian brother or sister, in your own way of worshipping. When you enter a church, con- template its beauty, but also seek a moment of prayer and communication with the Lord. 

Holidays and parties are for the whole family and for your friends and companions. Try to make this possible with the way you act. 

And think of those who don’t have or can’t take holidays because they lack resources. Solidarity and charity don’t make holidays. 

With the hope that these days will be fruitful and will serve to launch a new era full of hope and courage, I greet you warmly and bless you. 

✠ Francesc Pardo i Artigas, Bishop of Girona