When visiting these places, it is possible to find not only the traces of these priests in their streets and squares, but also in the living memory of their inhabitants.
News Colombia.
In the vast territory of Colombia, several municipalities have been named in honor of religious figures and priests who left an indelible mark on their communities.
This gesture of gratitude not only keeps the memory of these spiritual leaders alive, but also reflects the deep relationship between religion and the history of Colombia and Diego Rosselli (traveler, university professor, writer, father and neurologist) through his X account @darosselli made a review of these.
One of these towns is Arbeláez, located in the department of Cundinamarca. Its name pays homage to Monsignor Vicente Arbeláez Gómez, who was the archbishop of Bogotá and a prominent builder of churches, including the famous church of Lourdes in Chapinero.
This prelate left a lasting legacy in the region, and his name lives on in the community that bears his name.
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In the north of Antioquia, we find the municipality of Gómez Plata, which shares a border with Santa Rosa de Osos and Yolombó.
Originally known as Hojas Anchas, this town changed its name when it was recognized as a municipality in 1903 to honor Juan de la Cruz Gómez Plata, bishop of Antioquia, who was a key figure in the religious life of the region.
In the department of Nariño, there are two municipalities that also adopted names of priests. Mallama, named after the Spanish priest Felipe de Mallama, and Funes, was named in honor of the Spanish priest Lucas Funes.
In Nariño there are two municipalities that adopted names of priests. One is Mallama, after the Spanish priest Felipe de Mallama, the other is Funes, after the priest, also Spanish, Lucas Funes.
— Diego Rosselli (@darosselli) August 24, 2024
Both priests played fundamental roles in the formation and development of these communities, and their names remain as a constant reminder of their influence.
In Huila, the small town of Elías owes its name to the priest Elías Carvajal, who was the owner of the lands where the town emerged.
Carvajal was not only a spiritual leader, but also a pioneer in local development, and his name is a testament to his legacy in the region.
Villa Gómez, in Cundinamarca, was baptized in memory of the priest Misael Gómez, an admired priest from the neighboring town of Pacho.
The devotion and affection that the community had for this priest materialized in the choice of his name for the municipality, perpetuating his memory.
In Santander, we find the municipality of San José de Miranda, which honors both the priest Isidro Miranda, its founder, and his favorite saint, Saint Joseph, affectionately known as “Don Pepe.”
The town’s imposing church is a symbol of Father Miranda’s devotion and efforts to establish a prosperous and united community of faith.
Finally, in the department of Cauca, the priest Luis Jerónimo Morales founded the town that today bears his surname, Morales. This act of naming the municipality in his honor is a tribute to his leadership and dedication, and reflects the deep respect that his contemporaries had for him.
These Colombian towns are not only named after priests, but also embody stories of faith, effort and commitment that have shaped the identity of their communities over time.
And to finish off, in Santander we have San José de Miranda, with a tremendous church, which honors the priest Isidoro Miranda, its founder, and of course, his favorite saint, Don Pepe. And in Cauca, the priest Luis Jerónimo Morales founded the town that Morales baptized.
— Diego Rosselli (@darosselli) August 24, 2024
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