Renewing dignity

Summary

Father Flavia Villanueva, a former drug user turned priest, speaks out about the need to treat addiction as a health and mental issue, not a criminal one. Drawing on his personal journey of faith and recovery, he condemns the rampant violence surrounding drug addiction, calling for a shift towards healing and compassion. Through the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center, he emphasizes the importance of providing dignified care for those struggling with addiction, urging society to reject the culture of death and instead work together to foster hope and transformation for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drug addiction is viewed as a health and mental issue, not a criminal one.
• 😀 Father Flavia Villanueva is a priest and member of the Society of the Divine Word, ordained in 2006.
• 😀 Father Flavia's journey to the priesthood was a late vocation, influenced by faith and his past struggles with addiction.
• 😀 Faith played a crucial role in Father Flavia’s recovery from addiction, alongside support from friends who believed in the possibility of change.
• 😀 One of the pivotal questions Father Flavia asked himself was whether he wanted his life to continue in the way it had been, ultimately choosing to seek change.
• 😀 The Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center was founded two years ago to provide dignified care for individuals struggling with addiction.
• 😀 The center has helped at least five individuals who fell victim to the cycle of addiction and its related issues.
• 😀 Drug addiction should be addressed as a health issue, not through criminalization or violence.
• 😀 Father Flavia strongly believes that killing individuals due to addiction only contributes to a culture of impunity, mediocrity, and death.
• 😀 The focus should be on healing, not on perpetuating violence, and we must offer the next generation hope, not fear or death.
• 😀 Father Flavia advocates for stopping the killings related to drug addiction and focusing on healing and rehabilitation instead.

Q & A

What is Father Flavia Villanueva's main message regarding drug addiction?

Father Villanueva emphasizes that drug addiction is a health and mental issue, not a criminal one. He advocates for treating addiction with care and understanding, rather than punishment.

How did Father Villanueva's personal experience with addiction shape his views?

Father Villanueva's own struggle with addiction deeply shaped his views. Through faith and support from friends, he was able to overcome addiction, and this experience made him believe in the possibility of change and healing for others.

What role does faith play in Father Villanueva's recovery from addiction?

Faith played a central role in Father Villanueva's recovery, providing him with the strength, grace, and guidance to seek healing and change. He believes that faith is vital in overcoming the vicious cycle of addiction.

Why does Father Villanueva emphasize the importance of community support in overcoming addiction?

Father Villanueva highlights the importance of community support because it provides individuals with the necessary encouragement, resources, and belief that change is possible. His own recovery was aided by friends who believed in his ability to change.

What is the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center, and what is its mission?

The Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center, founded by Father Villanueva, is a facility dedicated to helping individuals who are struggling with addiction. Its mission is to provide dignified care and support, offering a path toward healing and recovery.

How does Father Villanueva view the criminalization of drug addiction?

Father Villanueva opposes the criminalization of drug addiction, arguing that it should be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal offense. He believes this approach leads to unnecessary violence and stigmatization.

What does Father Villanueva mean by a 'culture of death'?

A 'culture of death' refers to the widespread violence and killing of drug addicts, which Father Villanueva condemns. He believes that such actions only create a climate of impunity, fear, and despair, rather than offering solutions for recovery.

What is Father Villanueva's stance on the death penalty for drug users?

Father Villanueva strongly opposes the death penalty for drug users, asserting that killing is not the solution to addiction. He advocates for compassion, understanding, and support instead of punishment and violence.

Why does Father Villanueva stress the need for a shift from killings to healing?

Father Villanueva stresses the need for a shift from killings to healing because he believes that only through healing can society help drug addicts regain their dignity and hope. He calls for a collective effort to stop the violence and start the process of recovery.

What does Father Villanueva believe the next generation needs most?

Father Villanueva believes that the next generation needs hope, not a culture of death or violence. He advocates for creating a supportive, healing environment that fosters optimism and a better future for everyone.