The National Secretariat for Social Pastoral Care – Caritas Colombia commemorated its 70 years of service to the Church and the country with a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude held on October 16, 2026, at the Major Seminary of Bogotá. The event brought together bishops, former directors, volunteers, experts, and partner organizations to recognize a legacy marked by support for communities, the defense of life, and the building of paths toward reconciliation.
On the occasion of this celebration, the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA) expressed its congratulations and gratitude to Caritas Colombia for its historic commitment to promoting human dignity, solidarity, and the building of a more just, fraternal, and peaceful society.
For seven decades, the work of Caritas Colombia has been closely linked to the country’s social and humanitarian realities, supporting individuals and communities affected by violence, forced displacement, humanitarian crises, and various forms of exclusion. Its presence in these regions has helped strengthen community-based initiatives, promote human rights, and create spaces for dialogue and reconciliation.
A Church That Accompanies and Builds Peace from the Grassroots
The commemorative event provided an opportunity to reflect on a history shaped by numerous individuals and institutions that have contributed to the mission of Social Ministry in Colombia.
During the reflection sessions, participants highlighted the Church’s role in supporting communities affected by the armed conflict and in promoting initiatives for reconciliation, integral human development, and the strengthening of the social fabric.
They also recognized the importance of maintaining a close presence among the most vulnerable populations, especially in those regions where communities face situations of violence, exclusion, and uncertainty.
The experience of Caritas Colombia demonstrates that building peace requires much more than the absence of violence: it involves strengthening community organization, promoting civic participation, defending the dignity of every person, and creating conditions that enable a dignified life for all.
On this journey, the Church is called to continue building bridges, facilitating dialogue, and accompanying those who work for reconciliation and social transformation.
The Defense of Human Dignity and Care for Our Common Home
Another central aspect of the commemoration was the commitment to people in situations of human mobility, a reality that has shaped the history of Caritas Colombia since its earliest years.
Support for refugees, migrants, and victims of forced displacement has driven an effort that seeks to move beyond purely charitable responses to recognize people as rights-holders, protagonists in rebuilding their lives, and agents of transformation in their communities.
Likewise, the gathering highlighted the importance of caring for our Common Home and protecting Colombia’s biodiversity. Participants emphasized the need to strengthen communities’ capacities to defend their territories and promote comprehensive sustainability that integrates social, environmental, and political dimensions.
This mission takes on particular significance in the Amazon, where the defense of life, the rights of indigenous peoples, and the care of ecosystems require a shared commitment among the Churches, communities, social organizations, and international cooperation.
From this perspective, CEAMA recognizes the importance of continuing to strengthen a Church that is close to the Amazonian peoples, committed to socio-environmental justice, and willing to stand alongside them in their struggles, hopes, and organizational efforts.
A shared mission that continues to bear fruits of hope
As it celebrates its 70th anniversary, Caritas Colombia looks back on its history with gratitude and renews its commitment to responding to the realities of a country that continues to seek paths of peace, reconciliation, and social justice.
CEAMA joins in this celebration and expresses its gratitude for the witness of service provided by the National Secretariat for Social Pastoral Care—Caritas Colombia, whose mission embodies the Church’s commitment to the defense of life, the promotion of human dignity, and the building of more supportive and fraternal communities.
May the Lord bless its mission and strengthen its commitment to the people, justice, fraternity, and hope, so that it may continue to accompany those most in need and contribute to the building of a society in which life is respected and the dignity of every person is recognized.
CEAMA also renews its willingness to continue strengthening the bonds of communion and collaboration with Caritas Colombia, sharing the vision of a synodal Church that is close to communities and committed to caring for our Common Home.
Happy 70th anniversary, Caritas Colombia! May this history of service continue to bear o fruits of peace, justice, and hope for Colombia and for the entire Amazon region.