Bogotá, Colombia, Jul 9, 2008 / 11:00 am
The recitation of the Rosary has become, for an increasing number of Colombians, the secret behind the new phase the country is entering. Many Colombians also view the Rosary as the "secret weapon" that made the recent rescuing of 15 hostages possible - without a single shot fired.
According to Lidia Rios, spokeswoman for the Legion of Mary in Medellin, thousands of Colombians have been praying the Rosary for years for the release of the numerous hostages being held by rebel groups.
“We have prayed a lot to the Lord and to the Blessed Mother that this rescue would be successful, and we are not going to stop now. We are and will continue praying for this intention,” Rios told CNA in reaction to statements by President Uribe, who said shortly after the rescue that the operation “was guided in every way by the light of the Holy Spirit, the protection of our Lord and the Virgin Mary.”
Rios believes President Uribe’s success in combating violence in Colombia is due to “the devotion and commitment he has to Jesus and Mary.” She added that she believes Uribe has escaped attacks from his enemies thanks “to the Lord and the Virgin Mary, who have saved him and continue to watch over him, because he always prays to them and he is working hand in hand with the Church.”