Rome, Italy, Feb 7, 2017 / 06:02 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Colombia is the only country in the Americas where child soldiers can still be found.
Despite the recent signing of a peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC rebels, it’s estimated that some 6,000 minors are still fighting for the guerrillas, though the numbers aren’t exact.
However, what is known for certain is that thousands of youth in the country hit 18 after spending years of their childhood in armed combat.
While the phenomenon is typically associated with Africa, it’s a surprisingly raw reality for Colombia, since poverty and domestic violence often leave many youth desperate, making the desire to leave home and join criminal gangs or, in this case, guerrilla forces, seem like an exciting alternative.
This was the case for Catalina and Manuel – two youth from difficult backgrounds who left home and joined forces with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), fighting in their ranks for several years until traumatic events eventually drove them to leave.
In a documentary on Salesian efforts to help troubled youth in Colombia, Catalina shared her heart-wrenching story, recounting how ever since she was little “I had issues with my stepfather. He got drunk and beat me, he always gave me bruises.”
“He hit me with hot sticks, straight from the fire. I had problems with him because he tried to abuse me,” she said. While she was able to resist her stepfather’s advances, when she attempted to tell her mother what happened, “my mother never believed me.”
Catalina described how when her stepfather would hit her mother, she would defend her, but sometimes her mother hit her as well.
“It was too much,” she said, explaining that “I grew to hate my mother.” She eventually started smoking, partying and using “basuco” – a paste used as a base for cocaine – before attempting suicide.
However, one day when she while she was out she heard a sound like “metal against metal.” When she saw that it came from FARC guerrilla fighters, she immediately left to join them at age 13.
While at first being with the guerrillas seemed “like a dream,” Catalina, who was handed a gun that was bigger than she was after just eight days in the guerrilla camp, soon found herself asking “what have I got myself into now?”
Describing the most traumatic moment during her time with the guerrillas, Catalina explained that she and her boyfriend at the time were among 44 people, including many children, who arrived at another camp.
When night came, she and her boyfriend were alone when around eight helicopters attacked their battalion.
Soon “something collapsed on me and I fell in a deep sleep. I felt sleepy and in a stupor,” she said.
While her head was still spinning, her boyfriend told her to run because the Colombian army was nearby, so “I ran as fast as I could.”
Catalina recalled how her boyfriend covered for her as she ran, but was shot and killed during the attack. “It’s tough when you share a lot with someone and they kill him,” she said, noting that she still wears a necklace he had given to her.
After experiencing the traumatic death of her boyfriend and many other friends, coupled with a sharp distaste for the disparity of how different members of the guerrillas were treated based on their status, at 16 Catalina eventually summoned the courage to run away, despite knowing the guerrillas would kill her if they ever found her.
Similarly, Manuel recounted in the documentary how he ran away from home with his brother when he was just eight-years-old due to poverty.
“We didn’t have much at home, so my brother and I decided to hit the streets together,” he said, adding that they eventually joined FARC forces simply out of curiosity.
“In the wilderness, your life starts to be a weapon,” he said, explaining that daily concerns quickly shift from simple things to something “as significant as taking a life of another. In the end, it was normal to kill someone.”
Manuel then recalled the moment his brother was killed for disobedience. Being the type of person who did what he wanted whenever he wanted to, Manuel’s brother began to break the rules in the camps they lived in.
“He didn’t change, he kept doing it and they decided to kill him,” Manuel said, explaining that he was able to say goodbye, but felt lost once his brother had been executed.
Since his brother was like “a mom and dad” to him, Manuel felt that after his brother’s death there was nothing left for him in the guerrillas, so he left, eventually ending up at the Salesian-run Don Bosco City in Medellin, where Catalina had also ended up.
The two youth, who used fake names for the sake of protection, are now both 19, and have been able start a process of healing and reintegration into society with the help of the Salesians at the center.
The Don Bosco City in Medellin focuses specifically on helping youth, and has so far helped 1,300 youth from lives of brutality, violence and emotional turmoil. A similar center in Cali has in its 15 operating years save some 2,300 youth from the same fate.
Services offered in the “city” include rehabilitation projects and psychological support, since many of the youth that come through have lived through traumatic and violent events.
Many of the girls who come have been abused, while some of the youth have even forced to choose between family members, kneeling on the floor at gunpoint and pointing out who lived and who died.
Since many of the girls have lived in brutal conditions, learning to be tough and to fight, part of the services provided at the center include teaching the girls what it means to be a woman through activities aimed at expressing their femininity.
A final phase of the program provides education and workforce development, since many of the youth dropped out of school at a young age and have an incomplete education when they arrive.
Both Catalina and Manuel have gone through the final “reinsertion” phase of the center, and are pursuing careers. While Manuel is learning technical engineering, Catalina is hoping to study at university to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a nurse.
The director of the center, Salesian priest Fr. Rafael Bejarano, was present at a Feb. 2 news conference on the documentary, alongside James Areiza, coordinator of the projects of protection and prevention at the Don Bosco city.
Bejarano told journalists that what the Church is doing, “without belonging to any political party, is to support the work the national government, together with the FARC, are doing: building together.”
“It’s not about demanding the guerrillas demobilize and give in their weapons, but about moving forward together,” he said, noting that this type of cooperation is the only way for Colombians to build lasting peace after the country’s 52 year conflict.
Since 1964, as many as 260,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in Colombia’s civil war.
According to Human Rights Watch, with more than 6.8 million people forcibly displaced due to the conflict, Colombia has the world’s second largest population of internally displaced people, with Syria in first place.
In August 2016 a peace accord between the Colombian government and the country’s largest rebel group, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), was finally reached following four years of negotiations in Cuba.
However, the agreement was narrowly rejected in a referendum Oct. 2, with many claiming that it was too lenient on FARC, particularly when it came to kidnapping and drug trafficking.
A revised agreement was signed Nov. 24, and sent to Colombia’s Congress for approval, rather than being submitted to a popular vote. The reformed accord was approved Nov. 30, with revised features including the demand that FARC hand over assets to be used for reparations, a 10 year time limit for the transitional justice system, and FARC rebels’ providing information about their drug trafficking.
Since the agreement took effect abuses attributed to FARC forces have fallen sharply, according to Human Rights Watch. However, the country’s second largest guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (ELN), continues to commit serious abuses against civilians such as kidnapping, murder, forced displacement and child recruitment.
In his comments to journalists, Fr. Bejarano said that despite the unrest, the real Colombia “isn’t known in the world.”
Describing the country as “beautiful, multi-cultural, with an enormous natural wealth,” he said Colombians want peace, but the ability to dialogue and to build a proper “political culture” are still a work in progress. This, he said, is why the popular vote was against the referendum.
Catalina, who was present with Manuel at the new conference, said that for her the days leading up to the referendum were “moments of joy,” since in her mind and in the minds of many others with her background it meant that “no more children will be there (with the guerrillas), it’s going to be different, we will be able to return to our homes.”
Both she and Manuel live in separate camps away from their families, but are able to communicate via cell phones and, in Catalina’s case, rare visits.
Although she was sad when the popular vote rejected the referendum, Catalina said she feels a lot of “interior peace,” which is the first thing people must work for. If true peace is to be achieved, people have to “think about the other, not only ourselves,” she said.
Both she and Manuel are hopeful about the situation, saying it comes down to making a daily commitment to work for peace.
As far as reintegration, Catalina noted that “everyone makes mistakes,” and that for certain people, there will always be a hole in their lives that can’t be patched up.
“There are many people who hold a grudge for what happened, for the massacres they lived and don’t forgive,” she said, but added that for the youth who have come through the Don Bosco City, “we have an opportunity.”
“There are many who don’t want it, but we must give the opportunity despite all these (things),” and must make the most of what they themselves have received.
[…]
It might be helpful to have more specifics from the Cardinal.
This court jester, who has outlasted his shelf life, has been specific in the past…
With the mentality of a careerist amoeba, he can’t tell the difference between a distinct “synod of Bishops” within the Apostolic Succession, and a broader and distinctly different “ecclesial assembly”—as in communio.
Sexually, he channels his own pontifications, thusly: “I think that’s wrong. But I also believe that we are thinking ahead here in [terms of] teaching. As the Pope has expressed in the past, this can lead to a change in doctrine. Because I believe that the sociological-scientific foundation of this teaching is no longer correct.” https://www.newwaysministry.org/2022/02/04/leading-cardinal-in-synod-seeks-change-in-church-teachings-on-homosexuality/
The “sociological and scientific foundation”? This forwardist and clericalist-extraordinaire can’t tell the difference between the front and the back!
SUMMARY: the red-hat cardinal fails the red-face test. Don’t let your son or daughter near this self-referential man, or whatever.
“SJ” might be a useful clarification.
On another site, there used to a poster who went by the pseudonym “Art Deco” who used to say that parts of the Jesuit order ran on “single malt scotch and sodomy”.
Jimmy Martin has given us the Jesuit view.
It’s time for the final suppression of the Jesuits.
Well, obviously Cardinal Hollerich is far more spiritually advanced than St. Paul and St. John — and, yes, Jesus.
Let’s face it. The purpose of marriage is to assure individuals of an uninterrupted supply of easily accessible orgasms.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Any association with reproduction is strictly incidental.
Leave it to those brilliant Jesuiticals to figure everything out for all of us.
“Some look to the past with nostalgia, others with fear. Both are wrong. We are part of a history — this we must accept and learn from. But we must also move forward.”
Well, he’s right about one thing. We must learn to highten awareness of how stupid progressives are. He even has gone so far, as Francis did, to insist that a fallible God is in need to “learn from history.”
Yet to an actual honest mind, history reveals that not only does truth never change, because it all comes from an infallible perfect God, but neither does foolhardy human pride that refuses to recognize that truth never changes ever change. God has not been on vacation through the pages of history. Also notice that halfwits who cite science in support of their stupidity can never name the “science.”
Neither can they name exactly what happens in that magical land of “forward.”
Unbelievable. May God help the Church led by such popes and bishops. They go against Holy Scripture and the best thinkers of the Church:
Romans 1:26-27
New International Version
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
New International Version
9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men[a]
10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
AND SAINT AUGUSTINE
“Those sins which are against nature, like those of the men of Sodom, are in all times and places to be detested and punished. Even if all nations committed such sins, they should all alike be held guilty by God’s law” (Confessions 3.8).
Hear, hear!!! Scripture has spoken. Take heed.
Catholic morality is not narrow, insofar as it is part of a consistent whole that touches every aspect of life. What it is is sharp, sharper than any two-edged sword. Some things are always wrong, regardless of the number on the calendar or how popular these things might be with the media, the courts, or the voters. Or the seminaries.
I doubt he is really talking about narrowness, but if he is, he probably has a point. Just look at the mess that is the stance of current bishops on the death penalty. This is never about justice, because they wouldn’t win the argument that the death penalty is always unjust — that would, by the way, require them to say that God not merely permitted but COMMANDED something that is always unjust, which is something only a heretic could believe. They don’t even link it to the broader question of how secular leaders responsible for the public good in this life can reconcile justice and prudence with mercy and forgiveness. They instead make the claim that they are wiser and holier than all previous generations, which is why they can contradict their predecessors boldly. Such a claim lacks evidence, to put it mildly. But back to my main point: this is an example of a moral issue which would be better treated if it were treated within a broader context, rather than treated as a narrow exception.
Away with him.
A diabolical man.
Moron Hollerich’s “sociological and scientific foundation:” genome research does not support the fictions of Hollerich. Instead, https://news.yahoo.com/no-gay-gene-study-finds-180220669.html
A selection: “This means that non-genetic factors – such as environment, upbringing, personality, nurture – are far more significant in influencing a person’s choice of sexual partner, just as with most other personality, behavioral and physical human traits, the researchers said.
“The study – the largest of its kind – analyzed survey responses and performed analyses known as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on data from more than 470,000 people who had given DNA samples and lifestyle information to the UK Biobank and to the U.S. genetics testing company 23andMeInc.”
SUMMARY: About the Hollerich alchemy, Galileo rolls over in this grave.
“Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, stated in a recent interview that he “would not define morality — especially sexual morality — as narrowly as the Church does today.””
Then he would be wrong, and it is to be hoped that many people tell him so, forcefully.
“SJ” ’nuff said.
One is left to wonder who this mortal actually thinks he is. The hot air emerging from him and his cohort is noxious. Their time is past. He need tug his head out of the 60’s.
I traded in my truck earlier this year for a newer model. I can “narrowly ” follow the owner’s manual for maintenance and operation or I can choose to ignore the rules and make up my own. But I know which choice will benefit the life and performance of my vehicle
It works in a similar way for Church teaching on marriage and family. We ignore the owner’s manual at our own peril.
This is yet another Jesuit who does not teach the Catholic faith.
Not unlike Senator Tim Kaine, a product of the Jesuit apostolate of the 70’s and 80’s who can’t figure out from whence derive our human rights.
Where do they cook up this stuff?
The hubris is toxic.
Kaine thinks he’s a theologian as well as a political philosopher just because he went along on some jesuit missionary trips. That, no doubt, is where his brainwashing took place. He also stikes me as an effeminate-sounding male.
May I, as a convert to Catholicism, ask why such a Cardinal is not being disciplined, re-educated, and/or even dismissed from his position in the Church? His words seem so harmful and contrary to Christian Church teachings and the Holy Scriptures.
Assault on Christ and the true faith should not be understood as primarily the work of one morally disordered man given the leadership role as Relator general for the Synod on Synodality.
Cdl Hollerich SJ is given privilege as the advocate for adult homosexual relations by a host of powerful, intermediary clergy. He represents the trend, now a virtual doctrine based first on widespread practice, particularly by homosexual, SSA oriented, the latent, the empathetic among our clerical ranks perhaps reaching the summit. This, based on the conviction that numbers prove viability. That somehow after thousands of millennia human nature has changed. That the dramatic explosion of coming out of the closet was a natural phenomenon mysteriously waiting for the 1960s.
We need keep in mind that the assumed anomaly of Hollerich could not exist unless he were empowered from above. Not the heavenly above. Our mission is to bravely, with due respect confront that authority.
Message to Eminence Hollerich, from a dear friend, who escaped from the torture chamber of the sodomy-lifestyle:
“It is insanity for adults like you to teach young people that it is OK for a man to inseminate the intestines of another person.”
In times of great challenge, the Church is called to be a beacon of clarity, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ with unwavering conviction. There is a profound need to articulate what is good and holy, and what stands in opposition to the truth revealed by God. The faithful yearn for their shepherds to speak with a voice that is strong and unequivocal, like a lion defending the flock.
A leader’s silence in matters of faith and morals are a source of confusion and disunity. The truth of Christ is a gift, and it requires a firm and clear witness. To remain silent when the integrity of the Church’s doctrine and Tradition is at stake risks giving the impression of tacit approval, or worse, indifference to the very teachings entrusted to us. The lukewarm approach to the deposit of faith can leave the faithful adrift, lacking the sure guidance they need to navigate a complex world. The Church must always be a guide to eternal happiness and joy for the world, never an echo of its passing fads. When shepards such as Cardinal Hollerich actively teach a false religion, there must be others such as Pope Leo XIV to firmly, clearly stand on a foundation of truth rather than remain quiet as a mouse.
I guess the cardinal might say that honesty is essential, but he would not define armed robbery as narrowly as the government does today.
It almost seems like our Pope doesn’t want to offend anyone. God help us! Sexual license is the devil’s ‘modern’ tool for destroying belief. Saint Paul, the Church of history and the most obvious experience of faithful ordinary people strengthen our belief and morals. Debauched cleric double talk and ambiguities must be exposed in the must explicit way. God has not abandoned our created human nature to the Devil. Souls are at stake.
Bernard,
I agree. It appears that Pope Leo doesn’t want to offend anyone including the lavender mafia within the hierarchy and the Vatican, the LBTG crowd, atheistic Communist China, et al. By his recent actions, and inaction, he has already undermined his pontificate.
Very disappointing. Yet I believe we need to continue to pray for him.
When can we stop hearing from this guy?
Someone should post a sign at the entrances to Luxembourg:
Caution: Malfunctioning Cardinal
muddying up the clear waters
That’s a perfect way of expressing it, knowall.
I’m back to the farming analogies again but it reminds me that per our extension service proper cattle management fences them away from streams. Otherwise they can muddy & foul the water supply flowing downstream.
If Hollerich hopes to define a “more modern” church as one with only liberal sexual morality, he will soon find that church broke and with no folks in the pews.Most of us have been there and done that, and are not interesting in a repeat.
The “let it all hang out” and “do what feels good” crowd are not church-goers. Maybe someone should tell Hollerich that his brand of Christianity is not wanted.
As for the new Pope, I had high hopes for him. But his appointments have been gravely disappointing.
Jesuits should not be bishops.