JAÉN, Spain.
In order to make visible the violation of human rights towards the immigrant community in the city of Jaén and in other cities, members of the Teresian Association (TA) participate in the so-called Circles of Silence since 2012. John Cozar describes experience.
Groups linked to Franciscan spirituality started the Circles of Silence in France in 2007. Since then, other groups have joined in their fight for the rights of immigrants.
The method used consists in having an immigrant, who accompanies us, share a personal testimony to make the breach of human rights evident. In the last year, we have heard testimonies of immigrants who have been left without a health card in Autonomous Communities, such as Madrid. We have denounced the injustice of wages of 20 euros for work of more than 7 hours. Other immigrants have described the razor blades on Melilla’s fences and we have heard testimonials from people who have gone through this place of pain. We have also shared the words of Pope Francis in Lampedusa.
After each testimony, we remain about 15 to 20 minutes in silence, walking in circles, and carrying red candles in solidarity, respect, and support of those who suffer this type of injustice. We finish the event by reading a manifesto and sing a hymn to unify our voices in solidarity. We do all of this in the square of the Constitution, a very central place in the city, to make the protest very visible.
The TA Community in Jaén, with its Rajab Project to welcome Immigrants, has been present in this demonstration every 3rd Wednesday of the month. Its role as part of the organization, development, and advertising in the city has been essential, working with other groups such as the Migration Secretariat, HOAC, and “Pastoral Obrera.”
As part of the TA Social Platform in Jaén, we believe that acts of denunciation and demands, as well as networking with other groups, remain a way to develop a charism that "estimates justice as much as life," as we feel called to give new forms and responses to build the Kingdom.
Juan Cózar