Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Villavicencio (Agenzia Fides) – The lifeless body of Fr. Oscar Danilo Cardozo Ossa was found on Sunday, September 27, in the rectory at the Parish Church of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort in Villavicencio (Colombia), where he had served as pastor since 2003. Several members of the parish, upon seeing that the priest did not arrive to celebrate Mass at 6pm, went to look for him in the rectory, where they came upon his lifeless body. According to police authorities, no signs of breaking and entering were found, which leads them to believe that the murderers were probably people the priest knew. On the scene were found a gag and several cords. They are still working on discovering the cause of death and the motive of the aggression.
In a statement issued September 28, Archbishop Oscar Urbina Ortega of Villavicencio, in union with the priests, the Ossa Cardozo family, and the Catholic community of Villavicencio, denounced the violent death of Fr. Oscar Cardozo Danilo Ossa: “We deeply regret this act of violence that has caused mourning in the Catholic Church for the death of one of her ministers, which shows th culture of violence that is being established in our region and which even the Lord's ministers cannot escape.” The Archbishop continued: “In light of this fact that greatly saddens us, we reiterate the inalienable value of life, because 'every life is unique, every person is irreplaceable, every death is irreversible.' No one has rights over the life of their own brothers, only God.” The statement concludes by expressing solidarity with Fr. Oscar's family and his faithful, and asking the entire Archdiocese, in this Year for Priests, to pray for Fr. Oscar Danilo, and ask the Lord for His forgiveness and mercy towards the murderers. Steadfast in the Lord of life and the conquerer of death, as we continue to mourn, we will keep defending, loving, protecting, and celebrating life.”
Fr. Oscar Danilo Cardozo was born on April 7, 1952 in Toro (Valle). He was ordained a priest on June 10, 1983. He served as Vice-Rector of St. Pius X Minor Seminary in Restrpo, Assistant Pastor of Saint Joseph the Worker, founder and pastor of Our Lady, Help of Christians, chaplain of the Penal Colony “Acacias,” Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the District of Grass, Saint Joseph the Worker in Nuevo Ricaute, and St. Louis Marie de Montfort (since 2003), and Archdiocesan Delegate for the radio and newspaper “Eco Llanero.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 29/9/2009)
