NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      CALI, Colombia (CWNews.com) - The hostages kidnapped on May 30 by the Colombian rebel National Liberation Army (ELN) from La Maria Catholic Church in Cali are "in very good spirits due to their religious faith," said a spokesman for the Red Cross on Wednesday.

      The international organization also delivered 13 letters addressed by the remaining hostages to their relatives. Some of the letters, reproduced by El Tiempo newspaper, confirm the high spirits and the deep faith sustaining the hostages.

      "In these days, try to keep a normal rhythm of life, even though I know it is hard," said the letter of Andres Felipe Gomez to his wife. "I keep my faith high despite knowing this is going to be long. Please pray harder so we can face this situation with faith and hope," he added.

      "My love, take care of the kids, and when you see Paola, Federico, and Luis, tell them to remember the days in which we prayed together for peace in Colombia," wrote Luis Fernando Mejia Velasquez, another hostage. His wife, Maria del Socorro, also kidnapped by the ELN and released on June 15, said that "Luis Fernando is in great spiritual shape thanks to his faith, but I am concerned for his health."

      German Guerrero, the son of kidnapped entrepreneur Efrain Guerrero Villota, said that his father conveyed in his letter "a great deal of faith." "Paradoxically we are the ones who are being strengthened by the faith they convey in their messages," added Guerrero, who leads one of the groups demanding the release of their relatives without ransom.

Articles provided through Catholic World News and Church News at Noticias Eclesiales and International Dossiers, Daily Dispatches and Features at ZENIT International News Agency. CWN, NE and ZENIT are not affiliated with the Daily CATHOLIC but provide this service via e-mail to the Daily CATHOLIC Monday through Friday.