After leaving Colombia due to threats, the charismatic priest reinvented himself.
News Colombia.
Father Jesús Hernán Orjuela, known as Father ‘Chucho’, has become a symbol of resilience and adaptation for his parishioners after leaving Colombia in the middle of this year.
The decision to leave his native country was not easy, but it was driven by a reason that, according to him, was more than compelling: preserve his life after receiving threats that led him to fear for his safety.
Since then, the priest has begun a new stage in the United States, where He combines his religious work with his digital charisma, managing to stay close to his faithful despite the distance.
The leap from the altars to the digital world
During his time in the United States, Father Chucho has not given up his spiritual mission. Although he no longer physically preaches at the Diocesan Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Bogotá, he continues to bring the word of God to thousands of followers through his YouTube channel.
Every day, at 5:00 am (Colombian time), his followers can join the online Eucharist, which begins with his iconic song ‘Entra’.
While other priests support him during the week, Father ‘Chucho’ personally leads the Sunday masses, keeping the connection with his faithful alive.
The priest has also integrated into Hispanic communities in the United States.
He has visited churches in cities such as Dallas, Washington, Kentucky and Florida, where he has received a warm welcome from Catholics of various nationalities, especially Colombians who find in him a spiritual and cultural reference.
Why did Father ‘Chucho’ decide to leave Colombia?
The departure of Father ‘Chucho’ from Colombia was triggered by threats that began after issuing statements about the situation in the country that made certain sectors uncomfortable..
In interviews, the priest explained that, although he did not leave out of fear, circumstances forced him to seek a safer environment to continue his vocation.
“I prefer silence, to distance myself and let go of my land as many have let go,” he expressed in one of his public interventions.
However, the change has not distanced him from his mission evangelizing “No matter where I am, I will always carry the gospel with me.”he stated.
In addition to his online work, he continues to interact with Catholic communities in various cities, sowing hope and faith.
