Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) – Millions of Colombians will join in the march being held today, November 28, in various cities throughout the country and in different parts of the world “for life and liberty,” calling for the immediate liberation of the hundreds of people still held captive in Colombia.
The march will be a peaceful demonstration in the city streets beginning at ten in the morning, and will send marchers to previously scheduled destinations, where they will ask once again that the captives be freed before this Christmas. In the Colombian capital of Bogota, eight points have been designated for the march for life and liberty.
The Colombian Bishops' Conference has made an urgent call to all Colombians to join in the march, to demand respect for life and freedom for the captives.
“I hope we may not remain indifferent, and that we may think of the suffering of their relatives, and that of the captives themselves, so that by the grace of God, they can spend this Christmas at home with their families,” the Secretary General of the Conference, Msgr. Fabian Marulanda said. According to the Bishop, “it is very important that all the Colombian people come out and make their voice heard, calling for the prompt liberation of all the captives.”
The Holy Father Benedict XVI, also called upon God this past Wednesday in his General Audience, asking that this “plight” and mentioned the March: “Right now I wish to recall the march requesting the liberation of the captives, which will take place this coming Friday in Colombia. I offer a fervent prayer of supplication to God, that this plight may end and that peace and harmony may soon reach this beloved nation,” the Pope said in Spanish.
The March has received an outpouring of support in the country on the part of the national government, the political parties of various ideological beliefs, the Catholic Church, various other religions, several NGOs working for human rights, unions and social organizations, which have announced their participation and have encouraged citizens to join in the demonstration, as a peaceful means of manifesting their concern.
There will also be similar events held in other parts of the world, at the time of the March in Colombia. In the countries of central and western Europe, it will be at 6pm and in various states in the USA, all at the same hour. There are many Colombian residents living in other countries, who have organized marches there, including in Australia, Indonesia, China, and Japan. All the Colombian Embassies have taken steps in supporting Colombians who wish to participate in the march. The Embassy and Consulate of Colombia in London have invited compatriots to join in the march in Hyde Park, in the downtown area of the British capital. The Ambassador of France in Colombia, Jean Michel Marlaud, has also made an appeal to all Colombians, encouraging them to join in the march. “I think it is important that the FARC see that kidnapping is something completely rejected by the international community and by Colombians,” he said. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 28/11/2008)
