Bolivia - Archbishop Tito Solari "Spiritual Father of the People of Cochabamba"

10 April 2017

(ANS - Cochabamba) – Archbishop Tito Solari Capellari, SDB, is Archbishop emeritus of Cochabamba. He arrived in Bolivia in the 70s. He was superior of the Salesians in Bolivia, then Auxiliary Bishop of Santa Cruz (1986-1999) and Archbishop of Cochabamba (1999-2014), one of the most active dioceses in Bolivia. He was recently awarded the "Father Antonio Berta" award as a "father figure" for the city.

In a recent interview, Archbishop Solari said that he resigned as Archbishop sorry that he had not been “able to do more for the street children". In another interview he said: "I love young people: they are the reason for my life. In young people I discover God's tenderness, the desire to live fully, the invitation to seek and find love."  - words of a real father!

During his acceptance speech for the award given by the Municipality of Cercado-Cochabamba, Archbishop Solari also added: "The figure of the father is the most important figure. It is the highest calling, along with that to be a mother."

The "Father Antonio Berta" award was established four years ago and dedicated to people who stand out as father figures. It was given to Archbishop Solari because of his work as archbishop, on behalf of so many children and young people of Cochabamba, for whom he represented an authoritative father figure.

The mayor of the city, José María Leyes, on the occasion of the award called Archbishop Solari a "spiritual father of the people of Cochabamba. (...) He was a father because he was able to teach his flock, but he was also a parent at difficult moments in the history of Cochabamba," he said.

In his episcopal service the Salesian prelate contributed to the opening of religious houses, hospitals, children's homes and homes for street children.

"When I had to leave my parish, I felt that my heart was breaking and I realized that it was a paternal feeling" Archbishop Solari said, clearly touched by the recognition

Among the other winners together with Archbishop Solari is Mr. Zacarías Castro Orellana, 87 years old today, who was awarded in the category "Biological Father". He was a worker at the National Railroad Company who showed exceptional qualities in being able to educate his 10 children after his wife's death.

The President of the Municipal Council, Mr Edgar Gaínza, stressed the commitment that both personalities have shown in becoming an example for the population as true fathers.

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