Walking with the bible

Celestino Anaya is a human rights promoter for the Vicariate of Sicuani, and runs a radio programme "Voice of the rural poor". Here he is pictured with his son Brayan, aged five [Simon Rawles]

Celestino Condori Anaya is working for peace in Chumbivilcas in the Southern Andes.

“As a human rights promoter I want to provide an example to other families to follow a path without violence and for my children to grow up in a peaceful environment, respecting all life,” he says.

“As president of my community I bring my Christian perspective and concern for human rights to community meetings. When there are disputes, I promote dialogue.”

One of the main problems in his community is violence against women. An understanding of human rights makes resolving such problems easier.

“All that I have learnt from human rights courses I share on the radio in a programme called 'Knowing Our Rights'. This programme is broadcast in Quechua, the local language, and encourages people to walk a path of peace and understanding.”

Searching for a better life

Celestino was born in Arequipa in 1964, his parents having moved there in search of a better income to support their three young children.

Unfortunately, the city did not provide a solution to their problems and they returned to Chumbivilcas without accomplishing their dreams.

Celestino’s father died when he was just five years old and his mother was seriously ill. Finally he was left alone with his grandmother.

“She made me study,” he says, “and later I was left to care for my sisters. Just as I was feeling alone I found the bible in one of the suitcases left by my father. He was a catechist.

“My sisters encouraged me to follow in his footsteps and so I came to the parish and worked as an animador.

“After finishing two years of secondary school, without support, I decided to enter the Peruvian army for military service. Once this was over I decided to return home because my heart was Christian and loved God. I returned to the parish as catechist and preached in my community and neighbouring ones.”

Today Celestino has his own family. “When I returned from the army I felt alone,” he says. Now he lives with Rosita and his five children.

“As long as God gives me strength I will continue to struggle to reduce the violence in my community and in my province to bring about peace and sow seeds so that our children inherit a world of love and that this love lights their paths.”

take action

Join us for a sponsored event Take part in one of the CAFOD Challenges, or join Team CAFOD for a run. You can have some fun while supporting our life-saving work across the world

Set up a direct debit A regular donation or gift from you to support CAFOD's charity work can help end poverty. Give regularly. Transform lives

Shine a light in the dark Please sign our petition calling on the world's largest mining company to listen to communities in the Philippines worried about the effect mining will have on their land