Bicentennial gives Colombia opportunity to renew Christian values, says archbishop

Bogotá, Colombia, Jul 22, 2010 / 10:08 am

Coadjutor Archbishop Gonzalo Restrepo of Manizales, Colombia remarked this week that the ongoing celebration of the country’s bicentennial this month is an important time for the reflection of Colombia's values and also the renewal of the citizen’s faith.

According to Colombian National Radio, the archbishop said the national holiday is a call to renew one’s faith and live honestly as believers.  It is also a chance to reflect on the country’s history, he added.

Archbishop Restrepo said Colombians must adopt an outlook that goes beyond what the world sees and believes.

The retiring archbishop of Bogota, Cardinal Pedro Rubiano, celebrated the Te Deum at the city’s cathedral on July 20, and said the bicentennial should also be an occasion to improve relations with neighboring countries.

He offered prayers “for the nations with whom our country has relations and also for those governments … that are committed to supporting Colombia in its struggle against terrorism, drug trafficking, social injustice and poverty, so that their support might culminate in peace and progress for all.”

Cardinal Rubiano also thanked outgoing president Alvaro Uribe “for his work at the helm of the government, for his years of service, of total dedication, of journeying with Colombians in the building of a country in which peace and respect for life were a true sign of his term.”