The Venezuelan Episcopal Conference (CEV) expressed solidarity this Sunday with the Cardinal Baltazar Porras for the incidents that prevented him from traveling to Isnotú, in the state of Trujilloto attend a mass for the birth of San José Gregorio Hernández.
In a statement, published on its social networks, the CEV highlighted the “fundamental and tireless role that Cardinal Porras has played in the processes that have led to the canonization of Saint José Gregorio Hernández” and Mother Carmen Rendiles.
He assured that his commitment “has been key for the universal Church to recognize the sanctity of these distinguished Venezuelans.”
In the face of what it described as “unfortunate events,” the CEV called on all sectors not to use the symbols of faith, popular devotion or the figures of saints “for proselytizing or partisan purposes.”
The use of these elements for such purposes, he warned, “is not only inappropriate, but it tarnishes the deep joy and authentic faith” of Venezuelans.
“The holiness of Saint José Gregorio Hernández and Mother Carmen Rendiles is a heritage of all the Venezuelan people and a source of pride that should bring us together in charity and hope. We trust that devotion to our new saints will inspire us to work for reconciliation and peace in our beloved nation,” he added.
The cardinal was invited to the liturgical feast of San José Gregorio Hernández, which took place this Sunday, so I was planning to travel this Saturday.
However, several irregularities occurred with his transfer: the airline he was traveling with notified him that the contracted flight had been suspended. Given this, he did not come to board the flight, but he later learned that the flight left normally and that the rest of the passengers were not notified about the supposed suspension.
Later, he managed to board a private flight, but when they were in the air the pilot was ordered to land in Barquisimeto under the argument of bad weather conditions in the Andes that supposedly kept the Varela airport closed, another situation that – he assured – never occurred. Added to this was a large military presence at the Barquisimeto airport.
He tried to continue his journey by land and they did not allow the hired vehicle to make the journey. Finally he had to return to the Maiquetía airport and be absent from the liturgical celebration.
