Costa Rican pastor authors new book

Rev. Edmundo Retana speaks during an event at the National Library of Costa Rica highlighting his new book.

COSTA RICA – Rev. Edmundo Retana, Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) missionary in Costa Rica, has released a new book discussing images of the sacred in the works of famous Costa Rican poet, Jorge Debravo.

Rev. Retana, a recognized poet himself, developed the book out of a thesis he wrote in 2006 for his Master’s degree in pastoral theology.

“There’s such rich imagery and depth in Rev. Retana’s sermons and poetry, which is why he’s become one of the most beloved religious poets in Central America.” said Rev. Mark Smith, LCC’s International Missions Executive. “ In his newest book, Rev. Retana sheds light on the theological insights of one of his role models, Costa Rica’s national poet, Jorge Debravo, and the impact his sacred poetry has had on Costa Rican culture.”

“There’s such rich imagery and depth in Rev. Retana’s sermons and poetry, which is why he’s become one of the most beloved religious poets in Central America.”

Debravo holds an important place in Costa Rican culture. His birthday, January 31, has been declared Costa Rica’s National Day of Poetry.

The National Library of Costa Rica featured Rev. Retana and his book during a special event on July 19. The library called Rev. Retana’s book a significant “contribution to the study of a theme in Debravo’s work that has not been systematically addressed before.”

The event, which was also broadcast live online, saw remarks made not only by Rev. Retana but also by three notable Costa Rican intellectuals: Mariamalia Sotela, Habib Succar, and Álvaro Fernández. Fernández also provided a musical interlude.

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