A Democratic Gala: Colombia’s Congress Honors Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos
Bogotá, Colombia – September 18, 2025
In the great Elliptical Hall of the National Capitol, one of the most emblematic spaces of Colombian institutional life, a solemn and symbolic day of public recognition was held on September 18. In that chamber, where the most relevant affairs of the Republic have historically been debated and defined, two of the highest distinctions granted by the Senate and the House of Representatives were conferred upon Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos, pastor and international conference speaker.
The ceremony took place around 10:00 a.m., beneath the dome of the Capitol that houses the seat of Colombian legislative power, in a ceremony that brought together authorities, special guests and representatives of various communities.
The honoree, born in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, received from the Congress the the Order of Merit for Democracy in the rank of Grand Commander, as well as the Award of the Order, Dignity, and Homeland Distinction in the rank of Grand Commitment, distinctions that honor his lifelong trajectory of service, leadership and teaching of universal values.
The ceremony began with the performance of the national anthems of Colombia and Puerto Rico, in a gesture that symbolizes the union between both nations and reinforced the international character of the event. This moment established the solemn tone of the day, which was marked throughout by an atmosphere of respect, fraternity and dignity.
Among those in attendance were family members of the honoree, including his wife, Sara Meléndez, and his sons-in-law, as well as international Missionary Miguel Bermúdez Marín together with his family. Approximately 260 invited guests joined them for the occasion, in a ceremony rich in both institutional and spiritual significance.
The first distinction was presented by Senator María Fernanda Cabal, who, in addition to highlighting the importance of faith, the Bible and a life guided by principles, expressed her personal admiration for the honoree’s work. In her words, she expressed: “Congratulations, pastor. I am full of admiration for your work, your work at The Great Tent Cathedral. And I will surely go to Puerto Rico one day. I admire your work.”
Following this, House of Representative Jhon Jairo Berrío López, took the floor to elaborate on the meaning of the recognition, highlighting the need for leaders with a calling to service in today’s world. During his remarks, he stressed that the world requires “more leaders that bring light, who care, who listen and walk alongside the people.”
He also underscored the international reach of Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos’ work, noting that “his work transcends borders: he has preached and held many important events of faith in different countries; not only across Latin America, but throughout the world. Colombia is among those countries.”
On a personal note, the legislator added: “Today, in conferring this distinction, I do so not only as a congressman, but as a citizen who recognizes that in people like you, Dr. José Benjamín, one sees faith at its very best, put into action. People who not only make promises, but keep them; who not only speak, but love; who not only receive momentary applause, but sow for generations to come.”
The National Capitol (typically the setting for political debates and decisions of great institutional impact), on this occasion was transformed into a space of recognition and gratitude. In that context, the presenter Yarith Barbosa, together with her family, made a symbolic gesture by placing the insignia of the Colombian flag upon the honoree, highlighting that Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos “has carried a message of union and hope that has crossed borders, strengthening ties and building bridges between nations. His leadership has inspired thousands of people.”
As the central moment of the event arrived, Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos took the floor to express his gratitude. With a calm and reflective tone, he delivered a message that resonated throughout the chamber, oriented toward the spiritual and social strengthening of the nation.
In his remarks, he expressed: “I reiterate my desire and purpose: that the true Light, which enlightens the soul and understanding of every human being, impacts every Colombian, so that they may continue edifying themselves, that they be a blessing to their families, and thus, be able to build a better society, a better country every day.”
He also added a message of blessing and reflection addressed to the country: “May God bless beautiful Colombia. And may God guide all the people to choose the best leader, so that he may lead beautiful Colombia to receive spiritual and material blessings as well.”
The ceremony, which lasted approximately 50 minutes, was followed both by those present and by thousands of viewers through the broadcast platforms of the Congress and of The Great Tent Cathedral, extending its reach well beyond the walls of the chamber.
The closing remarks were delivered by the head of Protocol, Plinio Enrique Ordóñez Villamizar, who offered a final reflection on the meaning of this type of recognition. In his words, he noted that distinctions “must be given in life (because it is in life): that our honoree feels the love of the people, of his family and of those around him…, in the very simple understanding that this decoration was received for a reason; and that reason is that things are being done right.”
Amid applause and in an atmosphere of institutional solemnity, the Congress of the Republic of Colombia left on record a recognition that transcends the merely symbolic, reaffirming that faith, when translated into action, service and commitment to values, holds a rightful place in the public life and in the institutional memory of the nation.