Jorge Lorenzo Escandón Ospina, a priest, former mayor of Neiva, and dedicated educator, has passed away, leaving a legacy of commitment to the vulnerable and social development. His career spanned priesthood, politics, and teaching, always driven by an ethic of service to others. Friends and colleagues remember him for his shift toward progressive stances and support for the Government of Change.
Jorge Lorenzo Escandón Ospina, revered by many as Father Escandón, devoted his life to serving others, a mission he upheld until his final days despite a debilitating illness. Born with a deep ethical vocation, his path included priesthood, the mayoralty of Neiva, politics, law, and teaching. Even in his waning moments, he completed his academic semester, inspiring students with his persistence and wisdom.
As a social leader, he advanced projects like the Hogar de Abuelos del Divino Niño, where charity meant human dignity. Escandón Ospina stressed that true charity involves sharing what dignifies, not merely giving surplus. His political outlook evolved from initial conservatism to genuine progressivism, focused on the poor. "If the Church is not for the poor, it is not Christ's Church," he stated in his final conversations.
During his tenure as mayor, he bolstered education in Neiva, established the first Secretariat of Social Development, and advanced participatory budgets, local planning committees, and community processes, establishing the city as a benchmark for social development and education. His successor, Héctor Javier Osorio, recently acknowledged the visionary stature of his administration, now appreciated more clearly.
He staunchly backed the Government of Change, viewing it as a moral synthesis of his ideals. Reconciled with former opponents, he lived by the imperative to act in ways that could become universal law, prioritizing righteousness through conviction. As a friend, he taught that true friendship supports ideals and hopes, fostering a more just world. His passing leaves a call to honor his light through concrete actions.