This weekend a Colombian Bishop will perform an exorcism and sprinkle holy water over an entire city from an army helicopter.
Bishop Rubén Darío Jaramillo Montoya of the Diocese of Buenaventura is set to perform the prayers in the city that has recently experienced increased amounts of violent crimes.
The exorcism was announced after the body of a 10-year-old girl was found after she was tortured and killed by her uncle.
Montoya said in a radio interview, “We have to drive the devil out of Buenaventura, to see if we can restore the peace and tranquillity that our city has lost due to so many crimes, acts of corruption and with so much evil and drug trafficking that invades our port.”
“We want to go around the whole of Buenaventura, from the air, and pour holy water onto it to see if we exorcise and get out all those demons that are destroying our port, so that God’s blessing comes and gets rid of all the wickedness that is in our streets.”
According to the National Catholic Register, around 80 per cent of the population live in poverty and do not have access to drinking water and toilets. They also report there have been 51 homicides in 2019 through the month of May, which is more than double the amount in the same time frame last year.
The exorcism is planned to coincide with the celebration of the feast day of Buenaventura’s patron saint, St Bonaventure, over the weekend.
The National Army decided to support Monotya’s decision by offering a helicopter for him to perform the prayers of exorcism.
Buenaventura is home to the largest port in Colombia, but it is also a major centre for drug trafficking.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.