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The History of the Basilians in Colombia

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Table of Contets
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Author's Note
Introduction by Ronald Fabbro, C.S.B.
Prologue by Robert Barringer, C.S.B.
Chapter I Mulling it over in 1985
Chapter II The Basilians Come to Cali, July 1987
Chapter III Forming Community
Chapter IV The Apostolate in Cali
Chapter V Forming Future Basilians
Chapter VI Moments of Trial and Grace
Chapter VII Up and Onward
Compiler's Note

Author's Note

Like all human beings I tend to go back over my past every so often, asking myself why I exist and what I have done with my life so far. When Father Frank Amico came to my novitiate in Medellín (1995-1996) and shared his reflections with us novices on the beginnings of the Congregation of St. Basil in Colombia, the idea of writing up an account of at least the highlights of these past years urged me to delve into the archives (in Cali). What did I find? Correspondence with bishops, accounts of interviews, letters attesting to the indefatigable efforts of Sister Hermengarda Alves to get the Basilians into Colombia, reminiscences of confreres who have worked in our country, newspaper articles. The highlights I selected do not constitute a history in the strict sense, but they have much to tell us about our Basilian apostolate in Colombia, our particular understanding of Formation, and our exciting expansion from the main centre in Cali, to the parish with postulants in Medellín, and to the establishment this year of a scholasticate, Casa Annonay, in our capital, Santafé de Bogotá. I believe the hand of God is at work here; how well we have walked in His ways will be for Him to judge.

Luis Fernando Sánchez, 1997

Introduction

Last year on the Feast of the Assumption, we celebrated an important milestone in the history of the Congregation, the tenth anniversary of Basilians in Colombia. During his time as a Scholastic, Luis Fernando Sánchez put together an account of this pivotal period in the community's history, entitled Apuntes para una historia de la Congregación de San Basilio en Colombia, en sus primeros diez años (1987 - 15 de agosto - 1997). His work is a collection of letters, notes and interviews found in the Basilian Archives of Colombia, which he supplements with his own reflections and commentary. This past year, Fr. Kevin Kirley compiled an abridged edition in English of Luis Fernando's work, which he entitled Our First Ten Years in Colombia: A Short History of the Congregation of St. Basil in Colombia, South America 1987-1997.

It is an honour for me to present Fr. Kirley's work to the Congregation as an Occasional Paper. In his prologue to the original Spanish version, Fr. Robert Barringer remarks concerning the Basilians in Colombia: "what they have experienced already, and the vision which they have of the Basilian future in Colombia, deserve to be known and understood even now by the rest of us in the Congregation." Fr. Kirley's abridged English version makes accessible to us the exciting story of what our Basilian confreres in Colombia have been doing over the past ten years and, for many of us, will greatly enrich our appreciation of the genesis of that vision which inspired this recent Basilian initiative.

Having read this account of the beginning of the Basilian presence in Colombia, I am impressed at how firmly it is rooted from the outset in our basic document, The Basilian Way of Life. When we learn about this history, we witness in a powerful way yet another expression of our Basilian charism, adapted to the faith and culture of the people of Colombia. I think it is most opportune to have this text before us during this Year of Evangelization, mandated by the General Chapter of 1997, in which we are centring our attention very deliberately as a community on the gospel call to ongoing conversion in our common life and apostolic works.

I commend all those Basilians who have contributed to our Congregation's presence in Colombia over the past ten years and, on your behalf, thank especially Luis Fernando Sánchez and Kevin Kirley who were instrumental in making this Occasional Paper available to us.

Ronald Fabbro, C.S.B., July 30, 1998

Prologue
by Robert Barringer, C.S.B.

The beginnings of the Congregation of St. Basil in Colombia are so recent that it may seem strange to start the process of chronicling them while they are still happening, and when the present members of the Congregation in Colombia must necessarily be writing about themselves and their own activities. Nevertheless, from my own experience of the Colombian Basilians I think I may be permitted to say that what they have experienced already, and the vision which they have of the Basilian future in Colombia, deserve to be known and understood even now by the rest of us in the Congregation.

The present book is an excellent example of the initiative and energy which the young Colombian Basilians have to contribute not only to the development of the Church in their own country, but also to the future of the entire Congregation of St. Basil as we seek to understand and respond to what God is asking of us. In the name of the whole Congregation I thank all who have worked on this book so that those of us who have not been in Colombia during these last ten years will know something of what God has been doing there through the hands and dreams of our confreres.

Robert Barringer, C.S.B, June 24, 1997

Chapter I
Mulling it over in 1985

A Basilian presence in Colombia? Why? Why not? Father Gerry McGuigan and others had already well established I.S.A.I.D. (Institute for the Study and Application of Integrated Development) in Niger, Africa. As Father Bud Paré recalled in a recent interview: "In General Council meetings with Father Hanrahan (Superior General 1973-1981) we had begun to speak of another project in Latin America. We were very proud of the work being done in Mexico and how young Mexicans were already shining lights in our Community. Also, we thought a new experience would be good for some of our North American confreres....Fathers Gerry McGuigan and Donal O'Gorman attended a workshop in Colombia, in Bogotá; and they were both intrigued and stimulated by the possibilities of human development there." (1) That was in November of 1985. But Father Paré had more than a development project in mind. It would be that, but it would also have to be a pastoral work of evangelization.

As Father Frank Amico had studied in Medellín (1983), the superior general asked him to scout about in Colombia and make some investigations. It so happened that Father Amico had already made the acquaintance in Medellín of a young Colombian student, Rafael Ignacio Lopera. The two of them held a meeting with Fathers McGuigan and O'Gorman. Out of their discussions emerged eventually the concept of one project in Colombia that would combine evangelization, catechesis, education, social and economic development. Given such a gospel-pastoral emphasis, it was unlikely that financial assistance could be sought from the Canadian government, as had been the case with I.S.A.I.D. in Africa. Furthermore, early in the history of the Colombian project Father Gerry McGuigan suffered a heart attack and died in Toronto, Canada. (2) The General Council decided that any Basilian apostolate in Colombia would have to be an entirely Basilian undertaking.

"We had some misgivings," said Father Paré, "there were no Basilians anywhere in South America; it was a long way from any of our houses. There was the fear of violence in Colombia. How would 'gringos' be accepted by the people? Could we find sufficient funds and personnel?" (3) But the plan moved forward. On November 28, 1985 Sister Hermengarda Alves, secretary general of C.L.A.R. (Confederación Latinoamericana de Religiosos) received a letter from Father Amico. In it he outlined what the Basilians had in mind: "an apostolic work as a religious community in Colombia.". Sister Hermengarda gave an encouraging reply (4), and suggested meeting with Father Amico at the time of her community's general assembly in February, 1986. He came and she gave him a list of the names of bishops in whose dioceses there might be a welcome for the establishment of another religious congregation. In the Spring of 1986, Father Amico wrote to the following Ordinaries:

The Archbishops of Cartagena and Cali gave a prompt reply to Father Amico's request and expressed their willingness to grant an interview. A little later the Bishops of Sincelejo and Barranquilla also showed enthusiastic interest. The visit of Pope John Paul II to Colombia in the Summer of 1986 was the main reason given by Cardinal Trujillo for not responding until September. In his letter the Cardinal thought it would be unfair of him to invite the Basilians to his archdiocese given the fact that four other bishops had already agreed to welcome them. (5) A polite refusal.

Of the four dioceses he visited, Father Amico was most impressed by the possibilities in Cali: a parish with a school attached. When he received a second encouraging letter from Archbishop Pedro Rubiano Sáenz of Cali in early October 1986, in which His Grace offered to the Basilian Fathers the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, it became clear that this was a sign from God. (6) The proposal went on the agenda of the Basilian General Council meeting for November 1986, and received formal approval. The die was cast. The Basilian Fathers would make their first new foundation since 1967, and it would be in Cali, Valle, a city of some 3,000,000 people, more precisely it would be the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, in Barrio Andrés Sanín. Father Paré recalled later: "Much as we admired the good work being done in Mexico, we thought a new model or vision could be realized here in Colombia with greater emphasis on education and human development." (7) For Archbishop Sáenz the General Council decision was good news indeed: "Working in collaboration with your Community will not only help me in the evangelization of a large and important sector of the city, but it will also mean an enrichment for our clergy and for the whole local church in Cali....May the Lord repay you with an abundance of vocations to your Congregation." (8)

Chapter II
The Basilians Come to Cali, July 1987

The first official visit to Cali took place in early January of 1987; the Superior General, Father Ulysse Paré, came with Father Frank Amico, who was the newly appointed local superior of the foundation in Cali, Father Manuel Chircop, Treasurer General, and an associate, Rafael Ignacio Lopera. They carried out official business: contact with the archdiocesan chancery, negotiations with the Missionaries of Charity (of Calcutta) who had established a house in one of the barrios of the parish, next to the chapel of Puerto Mallarino, and certain legal matters relating to all parties concerned.

The founding group of Basilians arrived in July of 1987. They were: Fathers Frank Amico, Robert Seguin, Maurice Restivo, three associates, Rafael Lopera, Martín Escobedo and Eduardo Cuadra. These latter two had come from Casa San Basilio in Houston, Texas. Not all six "founders" arrived at once. Father Amico came first, with Rafael. A few days later Father Seguin joined them. Lastly came the newly-ordained Father Restivo, with Martín and Eduardo. Rafael Lopera was the only Colombian in the group. Fathers Amico, Seguin and Restivo were Americans from the United States; Martín was born in Mexico and Eduardo in El Salvador.

Not all was roses and wine for these new missionaries to Colombia. Father Amico and Rafael found their local house next to the church and the adjoining buildings in a state of neglect and disrepair. "They had no kitchen, no dishes, rain came in through holes in the roof everywhere," said Sister Angela, recalling the Basilian beginnings in Cali; "I really admired those men, such elegant gentlemen coming into such a mess." (9) Besides the lack of basic furniture and utensils, and the general state of dilapidation, the neighbourhood or barrio offered little comfort - holes in the streets, unpaved roads and lanes, litter, clouds of mosquitos, and the intense heat. "But the people were ever so kind and welcoming," said Father Restivo, "very open, and naturally curious about us foreigners. They soon won our hearts." (10) With brooms and mops, hammers and nails, the founders set to work with a will that impressed the local citizens. "I did not know who St. Basil was," said one parishioner, "but I learned from an old missal in my house that he had worked to unite the Church in his day, and I said to myself these Fathers are just what we need; they will work to unite our people, so divided by different sects." (11) In a few short months the rectory took on the look of a religious house, with chapel, living quarters, meeting rooms, offices, and a kitchen. It also had a regular schedule for celebration of the Liturgy. But above all, the new foundation at Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Cali became a place where the people felt welcome, a simple return of hospitality for the genuine welcome given the new-comers to the barrio Andrés Sanín.

Chapter III
Forming Community

Before the actual founding of the centre in Cali community discussions had taken place in Casa San Basilio, Houston, among the confreres most likely to go to Colombia. The prospective missionaries reflected on such questions as: How do we want to live this new experience? What emphasis shall we give to prayer in common? Shall we have a periodic review of our life together? Shall we wear a distinctive religious habit?

After reflecting on these basic aspects of community life the founding fathers had little difficulty implementing a weekly schedule that they could consider specifically Colombian. They would devote a full half hour to Morning Prayer together in the house chapel, and the same to Evening Prayer, both prayer sessions built around Lauds and Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. Taking turns for a week at a time, each confrere would prepare the community prayer in advance. Ample use was made of hymns, instrumental or taped music, brief commentaries, with time for silent reflection. A sharing of one's insights into a particular psalm or other scripture passage became a common practice. The confreres were careful not to cut themselves off from the people of the parish community; hence a community Mass was celebrated once a week with the people of the parish.

Regular assessment of their life together took place once a week, on Wednesdays, and took the form of the well-known "revisión de vida", based now not on three but four specific moments: see, judge, act and...celebrate. They complemented this weekly review of life with a half hour of exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in their house chapel every Sunday night at nine o'clock. There, in an ambience of candle light, incense and soft music (Taizé), they gave thanks to God one after the other, for graces received during the week, and prayed for help in their own lives as well as in the lives of those who relied on their prayers.

Every day after the noon meal the confreres gathered in the chapel to recite a psalm and pray the traditional Basilian prayer to St. Basil. They brought each day to a close at nine o'clock at night with the recitation of Compline in the chapel, and the chanting of the Salve Regina. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary marked the life of the Colombian Community from the outset: recitation of the Angelus before the noon meal, recitation of the Sub Tuum after every community exercise, the appropriate Marian anthem at the end of Compline, optional rosary in private. "We also wanted to make St. Basil truly our patron," recalled Father Amico, "so we studied his life, his work, his writings in an effort to see how we could live our lives better as religious under his patronage." (12) The feast of St. Basil, January 2, was marked with special liturgical and community celebrations, not that the traditional "secondary" Basilian patrons were neglected: St. Joseph, St. John Bosco, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Francis of Assisi.

Like Basilians elsewhere in the world, the Colombian group realized how important it was for them to become more familiar with the Community's basic documents, especially The Basilian Way of Life. Speaking of the latter, Rafael Lopera recalled how difficult it was to find time outside of retreat and community gatherings to reflect on the norms and guidelines of our life as Basilians, "but the more we did, the more we realized that our efforts to form community were imbued with the spirit of The Basilian Way of Life." (13) For the confreres from the North, it was not just a case of "inculturation" in Colombia, but of "incarnation", that is to say, becoming incarnate in a new culture with its particular elements, cultural, socio-political and religious, and somehow seeing these in the light of the gospel. "We could not afford to take an individualistic or independent approach. We had to work together as brothers." (14) Hence the importance of the meals in common, recreation in common, community discussions, even outings as a group together at least once a month.

What about the matter of a specifically Basilian habit? The tropical heat of Cali, frequently 30 or more degrees Celsius (86 F) during the day, suggested something light, simple, practical, in keeping with the clothing of the poor among whom the Basilians lived. They agreed on a distinctive style of cream-coloured shirt, long trousers of one's choice, sandals, and a small wooden Greek cross bearing the Basilian shield to be worn on a cord around the neck. So much for their outer appearance. To help them acquire the inner spirit of Jesus, they agreed to include in their Morning Prayer each day a special Prayer for the Common Life based on Romans 12, of which the following is an English translation:

"Lord, grant that in our love we may be sincere, that we may abhor evil and seek only what is good. In our love as brothers may we show affection for one another, and consider others as more worthy than ourselves. In carrying out our duties may we not yield to weakness, but maintain a fervent spirit, filled with hope and joy. In times of trial may we be patient. Help us to share with those in need, and always give a welcome in our house to passing guests. Lord, may we bless those who persecute us, bless and not curse them. Help us to be happy with those who are happy, to weep with those who weep. May we live in harmony with all people, not confiding in our own wisdom, but seeking always to do what is best for all. May we do everything possible, in so far as it depends on us, to live in peace with everyone. Amen."

Chapter IV
The Apostolate in Cali

From the outset the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption was the focal point of the Basilian Apostolate in Cali. Its boundaries took in three barrios or neighbourhoods: Andrés Sanín, Siete de Agosto, and Puerto Mallarino. All three of them made up one of the poorest sections of the city. The central complex consisted of the Church itself, much as it is today, the rectory, which the first group of Basilians quickly developed into a religious house, a series of abandoned offices, all on the ground level, and a school which belonged to the archdiocese and was run by a corporation called Comfandi (Caja de Compensación Familiar del Valle).

By 1987 attendance at Sunday Mass in the parish church had dwindled. "We didn't know where to start," Father Amico admitted. "We talked about base communities, but we had no idea how to begin." (15) A traditional concept, parish visitation, seemed as good a way as any to contact the families. House by house, street by street (where streets existed) the brothers made their way in pairs, meeting the people and listening to their problems. It took time, but gradually the names of potential leaders emerged, and around these leaders it was possible to form the first base communities, or "little communities" as the people called them. "We wanted to know the families, and we wanted to involve the laity as much as possible." (16) The combination of the personal contacts, the zeal of the Basilians and those who helped them (17), plus the beauty of the liturgical services in the church, all contributed to a genuine renewal of the practice of the faith.

The base communities met once a week in the leaders' houses with one of the Basilians or Sisters present. They would read a passage of the Bible, pray about it, discuss it, try to see how it applied to present-day situations. "Sometimes after a period of prayer and reflection we just chatted, and we laughed a lot." (18) Little by little an authentic evangelization of the families, or at least some families, was taking place. "The people began to discover the novelty of Christianity, the sacraments, the Church, life itself and service to one another....Commitment, solidarity, new reasons to live and to fight for what is right developed into a renewed process of Salvation." (19) But, as with all voluntary movements, enthusiasm and energy eventually began to flag. New approaches had to be found, or at least "alternatives that would inject new life and vigour into the missionary spirit of the base communities." (20) Such is the challenge that faces the priests and parish workers today in Our Lady of the Assumption: maintain enthusiasm and discover new channels of evangelization.

Other aspects of the apostolate in the Cali centre included Las Doñas de la Macarena, mature women assigned to the care of church and sacristy; the Legion of Mary; the St. Vincent de Paul Society; these societies pre-dated the arrival of the Basilians. Special pastoral care for the sick; youth groups to plan high points in the liturgical year, such as Advent, the Nativity Novena, Lent, Holy Week; to these the Basilians gave special emphasis. Under the guidance of three aspirants to the priesthood in the Basilian Congregation (21), the young people responded with active participation in groups of altar servers, candidates for confirmation, students of theatre and dance.

Special mention should be made of the new senior citizens home called "Cristo de la Paz", begun in December of 1989, and confided to Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity of Calcutta. The Basilians, who raised most of the money for the project, wanted the home to care for the poorest of the poor, with no strings attached. The Missionaries of Charity had their own way of conducting such a work, including the name it should be given. In time an agreement was reached, albeit not without difficulties. The new building across the street from the church came under the exclusive direction of the Missionaries of Charity.

St. Basil's Medical Centre, opened in 1990, provided another essential service. "We learned in the course of the parish visitation that the poor of our barrios had trouble getting adequate medical attention." (22) From various sources money was raised to provide facilities for an on-site general practitioner in family medicine, a dentist, a nutritionist, and a psychologist, if not every day at least a few times a week. "The centre has been well received," wrote the Cali daily paper, "because of its excellent medical personnel." (23) Such a service to the poor costs money, more than one poor parish can afford. The effort to find the necessary funds continues. However, new and nearby medical services are now available, a factor which offers, if not competition, at least another challenge to the Basilians in Cali.

One excellent project, an artisanal workshop, proved to be of short duration, mainly for lack of local interest and sufficient financial resources. Two young artisans (24), devoted their time and talents to helping people work with wood, aluminum, and glass. Begun in 1989, the workshop encouraged people to be creative and to learn more skills. An obvious example of one aspect of human development, it merited mention in a feature article of El País in 1993. But few people took advantage of the offerings, and the shop had to be closed.

A community parish library opened in the Basilian parish complex in 1990. Before long it developed into a thriving cultural centre which today comprises two rooms filled with computers for students and interested adults, audiovisual facilities, collections of periodicals, audio and video cassettes, a coffee bar, and a mini indoor park. After the death of the parish's young catechist in 1992, the Centre took the name Centro Cultural Aldemar Rodríguez Carvajal. (25)

By far the largest undertaking for the Basilians in Cali was the direction of the primary and secondary school, I.N.S.A., (Instituto Nuestra Señora de la Asunción), on the same property as the parish church and connected to it. The contract of Comfandi with the archdiocese ran out in 1991. The Basilians agreed to take it over, first, because it was a chance to offer quality education for the children of, not just some, but all poor families (26), second, because education in the context of the classroom was very much in keeping with the Basilian charism and tradition, but, third, and most of all, because they saw the school as a key instrument for working with the parents of the students to bring about an authentic evangelization of the whole parish community. The idea was noble, the reality harsh. When the Comfandi group left, they took everything with them. "We had to start from scratch," said Father Rafael. "How could we remain faithful to our desire to help the poor, I mean, how could we keep costs down so as to charge a minimum tuition? We were lacking in human and financial resources." (27) With the encouragement of the parish community and dedicated lay teachers, the confreres set to work to make the dream of a "colegio" come true. The dream would never have come true without the invaluable assistance of the Hermanas de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, who continue to this day to teach in the school and to help out in the parish. In 1992 I.N.S.A. offered classes to kindergarten and six grades of grade school. Each year they added a class, so that by the end of 1997, with an enrolment of 620 students, they lacked only the senior class to complete the requirements for entrance into university. Thanks to the extraordinarily generous support of the Basilian Fathers of Etobicoke and also of the Basilian Community at Assumption University in "the North" (28), they have also been able to add a new wing to the existing school which will allow them to accommodate more children from the parish barrios. It is the Basilian hope that an enlightened and thoroughly evangelized Christian alumni will gradually help Colombia become the country of peace, prosperity and justice that it so desperately wants to be.

Other Basilians who have worked in Colombia during the first ten years, 1987-1997:

For a fuller account of the significant contribution made by these confreres to our apostolate in Colombia, see the original and complete work in Spanish, Apuntes por una historia de la Congregación de San Basilio en Colombia en sus primeros diez años, 1987 - 15 de agosto - 1997, by Luís Fernando Sánchez Hurtado, C.S.B., pp. 36-45.

Chapter V
Forming Future Basilians

The initial formation of young Basilians proceeds in stages: i associates (candidatos in Latin America), ii postulants, iii novices, iv scholastics. Within Colombia it became organized in this fashion in 1994. Prior to that year, associates proceeded on a more ad hoc basis. For example, Rafael Lopera, who had met Frank Amico in Medellín in 1983, was invited to come to St. Anne's, Houston, in 1984. Here he worked with Hispanics in the parish while pursuing studies in philosophy and literature at the University of St. Thomas. When the Basilians went to Cali in 1987, Rafael accompanied them as an associate. He made his novitiate in Houston during 1988-1989, and returned to Cali to study theology at the Major Seminary, San Pedro Apóstol. He went to Rome in 1991 to pursue a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology. Rafael took final vows on August 15, 1993, and was the first Colombian to be ordained a Basilian priest on January 2, 1994 (29).

Francisco Serafín Mauricio, from El Salvador, made the acquaintance of Basilians at Casa San Basilio, Houston. He was admitted as an associate in 1987 and went to Cali in August of 1988, where he made his novitiate during 1989-1990 (30) with Father Bob Seguin as Master of Novices. Serafín did two years of philosophy at the Major Seminary in Cali, and then went for his theological studies in El Salvador at the Universidad Centroamericana, José Simeón Cañas, 1992-1996. He was ordained a Basilian priest on January 2, 1997.

With the arrival in Cali early in 1994 of four young men "interested in the Basilians", it was time to think of a formation programme more in keeping with the Basilian apostolate in Colombia. The four candidates, Angel Anaya (31), José Diocles Delgado, Luís Fernando Sánchez, all Colombians, and Salvador Hallegado, from the Philippines, lived at the Basilian residence and helped out as teachers and catechists in the school and parish. They followed a rigid and demanding schedule of work and prayer. By August of 1995 they were considered ready to make their novitiate. All of them had had some training in religious or seminary life before coming to the Basilians. The novitiate took place in Medellín under the guidance of Father Bob Seguin, Master, and Father Vince Thompson, Assistant, who had come to Colombia from Ste. Anne's, Detroit. After first profession on August 15, 1996, they did one year of theology at the Major Seminary in Cali. In July of 1997 they moved to the newly-founded scholasticate, Casa Annonay, in Bogotá, to pursue courses in theology at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana.

In July of 1995 a group of six young men sought admission to the Basilian Community in Cali. Three were Colombians: Pedro Mora, William Restrepo, and Juan Carlos Rojas, and three were from El Salvador: Wilberth Pineda, Kenton Roussel, and Vladimir Alemán. In addition to studying philosophy at the diocesan seminary, these candidates, like their predecessors of the year before, helped out in the parish and school, and lived a strict religious life in the Basilian residence. After two years, in July of 1997, the three who persevered, Pedro Mora, Wilberth Pineda and Juan Carlos Rojas, went to live in the residence of the new Basilian parish, Ecce Homo, in Medellín, and to continue studies in philosophy at the university.

Certain criteria mark the various stages of initial formation in Colombia. These might be summarized as emphasis on personal and community prayer; sharing of faith experience; contact with the people of the parish in the liturgy and in base communities; contact with youth in both parish and school; concern for the poor and the dispossessed; regular review through the "revisión de vida"; recreation in common; periodic community outings; special celebrations for birthdays and community feast days; close contact between the other local communities. By studying English and French as their foreign languages the young Basilians in Colombia hope to learn more about their brothers in the rest of the Community. They, of course, receive an individual copy of all Basilian serial publications, and major documents such as those issuing from a Synod or General Chapter are translated into Spanish.

Chapter VI
Moments of Trial and Grace

Scarcely a day goes by without the newspapers reporting assassinations in various parts of Colombia, or cases of kidnaping or hostage taking. And no doubt not all are reported. Countless members of families mourn the loss of a father, a son, even women and children. A religious congregation at the service of the people in Colombia will necessarily share in the sufferings of the people. Sooner or later the evil effects of civil war in this beleaguered country will hit home. For us Basilians it happened in 1990 and again in 1992, first with the disappearance and kidnaping of Father Frank Amico, held captive for five days, and then with the capture, torture and brutal death of Aldemar Rodríguez Carvajal, one of the leading catechists in the parish in Cali. Everyone even remotely connected with these acts of violence will agree that these were moments of trial for the Basilians and for the people with whom they work; in retrospect it has become evident that they were also moments of grace which God used to strengthen the people in their resolve to strive for what is right and just. Let us look first at the case of Father Amico's kidnaping and captivity.

Some warning had been given the local community in Cali on the evening of February 14, 1990. A group of armed men rang the door bell of the Basilian residence. Father Amico answered and was "invited" to come with them, voluntarily. The men identified themselves as members of E.L.N. (Ejército de Liberación Nacional). When Father Amico refused the invitation, they told him they would come back the next day to take him by force. Calling his confreres together in the chapel of the residence, the pastor related the incident, asked for prayers, and suggested that it could be no more than a threat.

Early the next morning, on his way to celebrate the Eucharist with the Missionaries of Charity, Father Amico was captured and taken away. No one knew of it until the Sisters phoned the residence to ask if Father was coming for Mass. "At once we realized what had happened," said Father Bob Seguin, "so we notified the chancery, the D.A.S. (Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad) and the F2 (Organismo Secreto de Investigación). These lost no time sending representatives to our house. The press also came, and before long the news became public." (32) The media connected the capture of the American priest, "de origen estadounidense" (33), with the visit of President George Bush in Cartagena, Colombia, attending an anti-drug conference.

For five days no one had any news of Father Amico. Confreres and parishioners joined in prayer for the safety and release of their superior and pastor. The archbishop and his auxiliary bishops made a formal statement of protest to the press: "...the kidnaping of Father Francisco Amico, priest of the Community of the Basilian Fathers and spiritual guide of the parish Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, calls for the solidarity of the Catholics of Cali and of men and women of good will to demand his prompt release, as well as that of so many persons who have been deprived of their freedom." (34) While they hoped and prayed for the best, people could not help but fear the worst. The local community suffered five days and five nights of agony.

Then, on the evening of February 20, 1990, when Bishop Alfonso Cabezas, auxiliary of Cali, was finished celebrating the Eucharist in the parish church for the safe return of the pastor, Father Amico appeared at the door as suddenly and mysteriously as he had disappeared. The parish sadness was turned into joy as shouts of thanksgiving, songs, ringing of bells greeted the beloved pastor, back safe and sound in his church. When asked later by the press if this harrowing experience would prompt him to return to his native land, the United States, Father Amico replied, "I shall not leave, I shall stay here with my people." (35) After some much needed rest, Father Amico spoke briefly of his experience, and how his captors had treated him: "They were very humane and respectful of me...we dialogued at length. They allowed me to express my ideas and they listened. They showed me videos about the Latin American political situation, the question of oil, etc....They did not threaten me with death, nor did they pressure me to leave the country." (36)

Father Amico's kidnaping had repercussions on the parish and the Basilian communities. No prior event did so much to strengthen the bonds of affection and support between the parishioners and the Basilians. Within the Basilian Community itself, apart from the anguish experienced in the North, the Colombian confreres suddenly came to grips with the implications of this commitment: if they must drink from the chalice of Christ's sufferings, they had to be prepared to drink it to the dregs. Whatever terror this prospect might instil in their hearts, they had the consolation of knowing that they could share in the sufferings of many innocent Colombians. That in itself was a grace.

Two years later the Basilian and parish communities in Cali were subjected to a new and even more terrifying trial. It took place during Holy Week, 1992. It concerned a young catechist, Aldemar Rodríguez Carvajal, referred to now as "nuestro mártir".

Aldemar was born in Neiva, district of Huila, Colombia on January 24, 1972. Already at the age of thirteen he had a strong desire to do God's will and to help his beloved Colombian people, especially the poor and oppressed. Although the example of St. Francis of Assisi attracted him, he was not attracted to religious life. While pursuing his studies he prayed intensely that he might know God's will for him. He helped the pastor in his native Franciscan parish, organizing various youth groups. His contacts with the poor and those who suffered manifest injustice led him to become involved politically. First it was as a member of the C.C.P. (Comité de Comunicación Popular); then the C.S.L.P. (Coordinadora de Solidaridad y Lucha Popular); and finally the F.E.R.-S.P. (Frente Estudiantil Revolucionario - Sin Permisión). He kept a journal in which he wrote his conversations with God, his reflections, and the thoughts of such leaders as Francis of Assisi, Che Guevara, Camilo Torres, and others.

In late 1988 Aldemar moved to Cali where, with the help of a friend who ran a stationery shop, he was able to live and begin working in the parish of the Assumption. He, with other young people in the parish, began to reach out to the "squatters" in a very poor part of the parish called "La Playa". In time he made the acquaintance of the pastor, Padre Francisco Amico, and his assistant, Padre Roberto Seguin. He came to know Rafael Lopera as well, when the latter returned from the novitiate in 1989. Aldemar enjoyed their company, and they in turn appreciated his vision and zeal for the poor. Aldemar became a catechist in the parish. His special charge was the preparation of youth for confirmation. He also maintained his interest in political events in Colombia. In fact, he believed a truly committed Christian had to be involved in some way or other in the politics of his country. On May 29, 1990 he wrote to a friend: "We must be ready to receive death and welcome it. Because the one who fights for life, love, justice for the mendicant and the child, will always be in the sights of the assassin's weapon." (37) Prophetic words. Aldemar disappeared Wednesday of Holy Week, April 15, 1992, after spending Monday of Holy Week preparing for the Way of the Cross scheduled for Good Friday in the Barrio Andrés Sanín. No one knew anything of his whereabouts. His body was found a week later in the river, near Riofrío, Buga. Five other young men had disappeared and died about the same time, all in the same manner: bound hands and feet, with a plastic bag tied tightly around the head and neck. Aldemar was buried from the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, Cali. In his homily Father Amico posed a series of searing questions concerning the motivation for the murder, among them this one: "Aldemar worked for Human Rights here in Cali, and was quite committed to what is happening in our country, committed in his search for roads to justice and peace - sure signs of the Kingdom of God. He was interested in studying more in order to know the reality of the situation better, and to get at the truth. Was it for this that they killed him?" (38) Father Amico referred to Aldemar as "mártir de la Asunción", and the title "nuestro mártir" is now used regularly of this twenty-year old catechist who gave his life in the cause of justice and truth.

Again Basilians and aspirants to the Basilian Community had to face a harsh reality. As though the brutal assassination of innocent people in Colombia who speak out in defence of human rights is not bad enough, such horrendous crimes go largely unpunished. No one is brought to justice, because no one knows anything of the evil deeds, and those who might know are either afraid to say what they know or they have learned the clever art of the cover-up. How is one to proclaim the Kingdom of God in such a climate? And yet it must be done, in season and out of season, in compliance with Jesus' command.

Chapter VII
Up and Onward

Colombia has three distinct climates depending on the level of altitude: hot and humid at sea-level up to 1000 metres/3300 ft (Cali); pleasant, even ideal, between 1000 and 2000 metres/3300-6600 ft. (Medellín); cool, invigorating above 2000 metres (Bogotá, 8600 ft.). Incredible as it may seem, the Basilians in Colombia have, within a mere ten years, managed to stake out a claim at all three levels.

The complexity and size of the original foundation in Cali did not prevent the Colombian Community from branching out to Medellín at the appointed time. By the Summer of 1995 four postulants (see Chapter V) were ready to make their year of novitiate. Where and how would it be possible? With Fathers Frank Amico, Wally (Felipe) Platt and Rafael Lopera in Cali, it seemed not unreasonable to free Father Bob Seguin for a novitiate in Medellín. He went there as Master of Novices, accompanied by his newly-arrived Assistant Master, Father Vince Thompson. In a rented house in Barrio Prado (39), a house which had been canonically erected as a novitiate by a decree of Archbishop Héctor Rueda Hernández (40), the four young candidates began their novitiate training on August 14, 1995. Three of the four, Salvador Hallegado, José Diocles Delgado, and Luís Fernando Sánchez made their first profession of vows a year later on August 15, 1996. Two communities of religious sisters lived near the Basilian novitiate in Medellín, the Misioneras de Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús and the Hermanas Marianitas. Both of these communities helped the fledgling Basilian foundation in many ways. Fathers Seguin and Thompson celebrated the Eucharist for the Sisters in return, frequently with the ready collaboration of the novices.

When the newly-professed scholastics returned to Cali in August of 1996 to study theology at the diocesan seminary, Fathers Seguin and Thompson remained in Medellín, not in the rented house in Prado, however, as there were no novices for the coming year 1996-1997. After an understanding with the authorities in the archdiocesan chancery they accepted the charge of a parish, Ecce Homo, in a remote part of the city called Blanquizal. Their presence there dates from September 16, 1996.

In addition to the regular parish services, the Basilian Fathers of Medellín (as of July 1997: Fathers Bob Seguin, pastor, and Serafín Mauricio, co-pastor) assist the Hermanas Escolapias in a school for the children of very poor families, children who would otherwise have no access to a primary education. In July of 1997 the parish residence in Blanquizal received three Basilian postulants from the house in Cali (41); these enrolled in courses of philosophy at the Universidad Bolivariana while awaiting permission to begin their novitiate. During the final semester of 1997 their homework had to be done under trying conditions as saws, hammers, cement mixer, etc. expanded the house to almost double its original size.

The third giant step in the Colombian ascent took place in July of 1997 when the Basilians opened a scholasticate in Bogotá, the capital, population 6,000,000+ people, altitude 2,600 metres/8,600 ft. Climate was not the only consideration for choosing Bogotá. The Colombian Council (Fathers Rafael Lopera, superior, Francisco Amico, Roberto Seguin), after consultation with the General Council, and the three scholastics mentioned above, decided that more suitable courses in theology were available at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, under the direction of the Jesuit Fathers. In keeping with the Basilian concern for solidarity with the poor, a rented house was chosen for the new scholasticate in a less-than-elegant neighbourhood called "20 de Julio", where people, small shops, children and dogs abound. The official blessing and opening took place on July 31, 1997. The new foundation received the name "Casa Annonay" in honour of our French confreres, in whose city, Annonay (France), the Community formally came into being at the first Basilian Chapter held on November 21, 1822.

A word should be said about the Basilian Synod of July 1996 and the Community in Colombia. Although the topics of discussion at the Synod concerned in large measure issues which touched the lives of the confreres in "the North" far more directly than they did those in Colombia, nevertheless the Basilians in Colombia followed the process of preparation closely. From November 21 to 23, 1995 they gathered in Manizales, their first time all together outside of Cali, to discuss such areas of their Basilian life as prayer, community, and the apostolate. In an honest appraisal they examined their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their hopes for the future. "As Basilians of Colombia, we feel called by God, like Jesus of Nazareth, to be religious who serve the poor and the outcast among the laity, in close communion with Saint Basil and the rest of our Basilian confreres." (42)

A second gathering of the Colombian Community took place in Pereira, from April 8 to 10, 1996, with the Superior General, Father Robert Barringer, in attendance. The latter explained what the Basilian Synod hoped to accomplish. It was to be more than a coming together of the whole Community in Rochester, N.Y. The idea of the Synod was to promote a process of transformation leading to a new union, or re-union, among ourselves, a new awareness of what it means to have left all to follow Christ. The Colombians strive regularly for this transformation through the "revisión de vida", and their example can act as a leaven. Those were reassuring words coming from the Superior General.

In March of 1997 the Basilians in Colombia got together once again, this time in Cali, to discuss the major themes of the General Chapter to take place in Toronto in July of that same year. The notion of community, the emphasis on poverty, on service to the poor, on faithfulness to our religious life as a witness to the Kingdom, and on The Basilian Way of Life, all of these basic themes helped the Colombian confreres to re-assess their own lives as Basilians and to feel close to the rest of the Community,

How do they see the future? In spite of much uncertainty, much injustice and violence in their country, the Basilians in Colombia are hopeful. Their vision has been summed up well by one who has laboured "in season and out of season" in both North and South, Padre Felipe Platt:

"I think that, by the grace of God, the future of the Basilian Congregation in Colombia is splendid. We are doing exactly the work of the Community; the poor, simple life style preserves us from errors and the loss of vision in the service of Christ; the work of education, especially, is consonant with the Basilian charism; and it seems that God is blessing us with vocations. What more can I say? If we are faithful, the future is secure. Amen." (43)

Compiler's Note

A compiler's work is not one of translation, nor of creation, but that of a faithful servant who dutifully puts together what is there already. In offering this brief, simple English version of Luís Fernando's book, I have tried to avoid betrayal or embellishment, but I have, I must confess, exercised my own exhilarating freedom of expression. The few minor additions such as figures for population and altitude (after all, the Andes cannot go unnoticed), and the map, are meant merely to render the substance more readily intelligible to the North American reader. In case of doubt about the precise meaning of a particular phrase or word, recourse should be had to the original Spanish version, and I, after due consideration, shall stand ready to be corrected.

K.J.K.

Notes

  1. Ulysse Paré, C.S.B., Superior General 1981-1989. Interview February 24, 1997. Archive of the Congregation of St. Basil in Colombia (= ACSB), Cali.
  2. July 24, 1988.
  3. Paré. Interview February 24, 1997.
  4. Sister Hermengarda Alves, S.C.J., to Father Frank Amico, C.S.B., November 27, 1985. ACSB, Cali.
  5. Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo to Father Frank Amico, C.S.B., November 27, 1985. ACSB, Cali.
  6. Archbishop Pedro Rubiano Sáenz to Father Frank Amico, C.S.B., October 4, 1986. ACSB, Cali.
  7. Paré. Interview February 24, 1997.
  8. Archbishop Pedro Rubiano Sáenz to Very Reverend Ulysse Paré, C.S.B., Superior General, December 3, 1986. ACSB, Cali.
  9. Sister Angela Betancurt, religious of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy (Hijas de Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia, H.N.S.M.M.). Interview October 27, 1996. ACSB, Cali.
  10. Maurice Restivo, C.S.B. Interview November 30, 1996. ACSB, Cali.
  11. Doña Adelaida Cabezas. Interview November 25, 1996. ACSB, Cali.
  12. Francis Amico, C.S.B. Interview February 20, 1997. ACSB, Cali.
  13. Rafael Ignacio Lopera Montoya, C.S.B. Interview January 21, 1997. ACSB, Cali.
  14. Ibid.
  15. Amico. Interview February 20, 1997.
  16. Ibid.
  17. Special tribute must be paid here to the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, the Assumptionist Sisters, Los Javerianos de Parma and the Franciscans (O.F.M.).
  18. Sra. Lucila Sánchez, parishioner. Interview January 15, 1997. ACSB, Cali.
  19. Sister Socorro Arboleda, H.N.S.M.M. Interview February 24, 1997. ACSB, Cali.
  20. Rafael Lopera C.S.B. Interview January 21, 1997. ACSB, Cali.
  21. Salvador Hallegado, José Diocles Delgado, Luís Fernando Sánchez.
  22. Lopera. Interview January 21, 1997.
  23. El País, August 20, 1993.
  24. Fernando Cruz and Jesús Kennedy López.
  25. For more on this young catechist see Chapter VI.
  26. Under Comfandi, parents had to belong to the corporation, for a fee, before they could register children in the school.
  27. Lopera. Interview January 21, 1997.
  28. Besides the two mentioned here, numerous other local Basilian Communities have also given loyal and generous support to the work of their confreres in Colombia.
  29. Martín Escobedo, from Mexico, got to know the Basilians through Casa San Basilio in 1985, as did Eduardo Cuadra, from El Salvador. Both accompanied the founders to Cali in 1987; both withdrew later from the formation programme.
  30. Fellow novice, Eduardo Ruíz, withdrew from the Community. Three associates in 1990, Wilfredo Cruz, Héctor Fabio Largo and Leonel Lucero, also abandoned the programme.
  31. Angel Anaya later withdrew from the programme, and another associate, Efraín Ferrer, began his novitiate with the remaining group of three, but left in November of 1995.
  32. Robert Seguin, C.S.B. Interview February 19, 1997. ACSB, Cali.
  33. Daily, Occidente, Cali, February 16, 1990.
  34. Daily, El País, Cali, February 16, 1990. Statement issued February 15, 1990. ACSB, Cali.
  35. Daily, El Caleño, Cali, Nr. 4192, p. 8, February 21, 1990. ACSB, Cali.
  36. Daily, El Colombiano, Medellín, p. 12-A, February 21, 1990. ACSB, Cali.
  37. Marta Lucia Cardona, Interview May 25, 1997. See the Spanish edition of Luís Fernando Sánchez's work, p. 110.
  38. Homily, 23 April 1992. For the complete text see Spanish edition, p. 112.
  39. Calle 64, Nr. 50 A-78, Medellín.
  40. Decreto #36, July 30, 1995. ACSB, Cali: By this time Cardinal Trujillo (see Chapter I) had been called to a special assignment in Rome.
  41. Pedro Mora, Wilberth Pineda and Juan-Carlos Rojas.
  42. Mission Statement, Manizales, November 1995.
  43. P. Wallace Platt, C.S.B. Interview December 10, 1996. ACSB, Cali.