Centro de la Memoria Monseñor Juan Gerardi Guatemala
Monsignor Juan José Gerardi
Monsignor Juan Gerardi Conedera was a Guatemalan Bishop of the Catholic Church and a staunch defender of human rights in Guatemala. For his commitment to promoting economic, social, and cultural rights, he received the Premio de la Verapaz from the Instituto Guatemalteco de Cultura Hispánica / Centro Cultural de España en Guatemala.
He served as General Coordinator of the Human Rights Office of the Archdiocese of Guatemala, and led the Proyecto lnterdiocesano de Recuperación de la Memoria Histórica (REMHI) Guatemala: Nunca más. “We want to contribute to the construction of a different kind of country. That is why we are recovering the memory of the people. This path was and continues to be full of risks; but building the Kingdom of God has risks and only those who have the strength to face them are its builders” (Monsignor Juan Gerardi, April 24, 1998).
He was a martyr for the truth; two days after the presentation of the Guatemala: Nunca más report, he was assassinated in his residence in the parish of San Sebastián. His memory and legacy offer solace amidst the ongoing struggle to defend human rights, inspiring hope for the construction of peace.
Full scans of the titles listed below can be found at http://www.odhag.org.gt/gerardi/biografia-gerardi/.
13. "Biografía Monseñor Gerardi". La verdad es un don que enorgullece a quien lo da y engrandece a quien lo recibe.
["Biography of Monsignor Gerardi". Truth is a gift that makes the person who gives it proud and the person who receives it better.]
This brief portrait of Monsignor Juan Gerardi, covering his work and pastoral mission as Bishop, as well as his passion for justice and the defense of the truth and human rights, is published in Guatemala on the 4th anniversary of his martyrdom, April 26, 2002.
The initial notes for this brief biography of Monsignor Gerardi were written amidst the agitation and shock caused by the tragic news of his assassination, just hours after that heinous act. Confusion paralyzed the country. Questions of "why" crowded our minds without answer, or explanation of how this could be possible. Reality forced us to confront the evidence. His death reached us all equally, dealing a blow to our very core.
14. "Monseñor Gerardi : ejemplo para una Guatemala distinta".
["Monsignor Gerardi: An Example for a Different Guatemala".]
This is an adaptation, featuring simple language and illustrations, of the biography "Monsignor Gerardi" written by Brother Santiago Otero, one of the foremost researchers on the life and work of the Martyr Bishop.
The purpose of this book is to share the story of Monsignor Gerardi, and his contributions to peace, truth, and justice in Guatemala. Ten years after his death, new generations are able to learn this history and the events that took place in the country, under the motto "Memoria viva para una Guatemala Distinta" (Living memory for a different Guatemala).
15. "Juan Gerardi... memoria vida de nuestro pueblo: biografía fotográfica".
["Juan Gerardi... Living memory of our people: A photographic biography]
The Oficina de Derechos Humanos del Arzobispado de Guatemala (Human Rights Office of the Archdiocese of Guatemala), to mark the seventh anniversary of the death of Monsignor Gerardi, presents this photographic biography, offering a glimpse into his life and work, dedicated to the people and to God, in a constant struggle on behalf of those most in need.
16. "Teoría de un crimen: La ejecución extrajudicial de Monseñor Juan José Gerardi Conedera".
["Theory of a crime: The extrajudicial execution of Monsignor Juan José Gerardi Conedera"]
This is an account of the process that was undertaken to solve the crime committed against Monsignor Juan José Gerardi Conedera, a just man, told from both the legal and the human experience of those who were directly involved in the pursuit of justice.
The purpose of this material is to make known, especially to new generations, the work and commitment that Monsignor Gerardi undertook on behalf of the poor and forgotten of Guatemala -- work that resulted in his unjust and unnecessary extrajudicial execution. ODHAG encourages the study of his life and martyrdom, as an inspiration to those who choose to commit themselves to life, truth and justice.