In Memoriam 1992-1997/Luis Augusto Sánchez
| In Memoriam 1992-1997 Luis Augusto Sánchez |
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LUIS AUGUSTO SÁNCHEZ 1933-1994[edit]
The Universal House of Justice was grieved to receive the news of the passing of Mr. Luis Sánchez. It recalls with affection his steadfast, persevering and dedicated services to the Cause of God in Colombia, including many years as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly. A bountiful reward assuredly awaits him in the Abhá Kingdom. The House of Justice will offer prayers in the Holy Shrines for the progress of his noble soul and for the solace of his dear family.
Department of the Secretariat May 30, 1994
uis Augusto Sánchez Bernal was born in passed away in the same city on May 26, 1994. He was born to Luis Augusto Sánchez Cuervo and Aura María Bernal de Sánchez, who also had a daughter by the name of Gloria.
In 1942 the Sánchez couple, ignited by a strong spirit of search, found Gerard Sluter, the first pioneer to Colombia, who was then taking advantage of his business trips from the United States to search for opportunities to promote the Faith. The Sánchezes heard him speak to a Theosophical group, and in this manner ten-year-old Luis started to receive the revitalizing breezes of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh. The task of his spiritual education was especially carried out by his mother, "Mamita Aura" (Mummy Aura), the first Bahá’í in Colombia to whom much reverence and consideration was shown and to whom attentive care was given until her passing in August 1985.
After graduating from high school Luis traveled to the United States where he was qualified as an electronic engineer specializing in radio, TV, and communications. He returned to Colombia in 1958 and married Dorys Bretón the following year. Theirs was the second Bahá’í marriage in Colombia, and for it to take place it was necessary to have the permission of the religious authorities. In response the bride and the groom were excommunicated from the Catholic Faith. This ignited the flame of love and steadfastness in their home, which was blessed with three children who were raised under the shadow of the Faith.
Luis's devotion and steadfastness were clearly demonstrated when he preferred to resign from his job in a prestigious company instead of participating in the fraudulent acts his employers had proposed to him. His courageous action manifested the reality of the expression "The sword of a virtuous character and upright conduct is sharper than blades
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of steel."4 His job crisis ended when he was appointed as a production manager at Motorola-National Panasonic where both colleagues and employees benefited from his innocent kindness, impartiality, and sense of justice-qualities which earned him admiration as a Bahá’í.
Luis first served on the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Bogotá in 1959, and he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Colombia in 1967, serving on it until his passing. At different times he was its chairman, treasurer, or secretary. In 1985 he assisted in the delivery of the "The Promise of World Peace" statement to prominent individuals in Colombia, personally handing this important document to the magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice. As a member of the National Spiritual Assembly, he participated in the election of the Universal House of Justice on three occasions. He and Dorys were also in charge of the construction and direction of the Aipe Institute in Huila.
His friends remember him as a person of elegant demeanor who was decisive and restrained in his manners, having a strong and unhurried tone of voice denoting authority, yet possessing a great sense of humor. He had a great sensitivity for beautiful things.
He was generous and ready to respond to the needs of the poor and, above all, to the needs of the Bahá’í Fund to the point that Dorys, who managed their domestic budget, would sometimes ask him if a shortage did not worry him. He would respond, "What can I do if my pockets always have holes?" He never did anything without consulting with his wife, whom he helped with the household chores. He also distinguished himself as a good cook.
He took the news of his diagnosis with serenity. He bore with stoicism and radiant acquiescence the hardships of pancreatic and liver cancer without complaint. It was he who asked the visitors at his bedside to keep up their spirits and not to suffer because of his imminent passing. He understood the significance of the Hidden Word "I have made death a messenger of joy to thee. Wherefore dost thou grieve? I made the light to shed on thee its splendour. Why dost thou veil thyself therefrom?"
Dorys recounts that he had coordinated the arrangements of his funeral, had identified appropriate prayers and quotes, and had even selected the readers. He passed away at the age of sixty.
Translated from an article written in Spanish and submitted by The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Colombia