Challenges of the Church in Alto Solimões, Brazil
Tucked in the triple border between Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, southwest of the state of Amazonas, the diocese of Altos Solimões, faces major challenges to promote evangelization in the largest biome on the planet. According to Bishop Adolfo Zon Pereira, bishop of the diocese, the first challenge is that of the diversity of peoples. Bishop Adolfo Zon is a Xaverian Missionary and the new Bishop of Alto Solimões (AM), Brazil.
“We have a population of six indigenous people in the Javari Valley, in an already demarcated area, and another six along the Solimões River, among which are the Ticuna people, with about 46 thousand Indians. The riverside are formed by old rubber tappers and also urban people,” he said. These peoples mingle within the cities and in the marginalized peripheries.
In order to strengthen evangelization in the midst of the diversity of these peoples, it is also necessary that evangelization be diversified,” said Bishop Adolfo. “We have to start from a very respectful presence in the midst of these peoples, of friendship, of fellowship,” he said.
The bishop needs pastoral workers. But as the laity become more prominent and the congregations are collaborating, the diocese will gradually gain more help. One example is the Capuchin Friars, Franciscans, who began a more inculturated evangelization work with the Ticuna people, and continued by the diocese. “One month ago, we ordained two aspiring Ticunas to the diaconate. With the Indians we are strengthening the struggle for rights and territory.”
The challenge of reaching the communities of the diocese distributed in seven parishes in a territorial extension of 131 thousand km² is surpassed by boats that circulate through the rivers and the waters. “The distances are very large. These are days to visit the communities and villages. Through the rivers and igarapés we are present among these peoples, “he said.
Trafficking in people, animals and drugs is another challenge faced by the Church, present in the triple frontier. “We are seeking to create opportunities for people to have a livelihood and earn their own bread, not through drug trafficking. We are also investing heavily in communities to create conditions and be productive, “he said.
After more than 20 years as a missionary in the Amazon, the religious said that the greatest value of the people of that region is “hospitality.” “We feel at home wherever we go. People welcome you, give you love and care, and what little you have, “he said.
Dom Adolfo is enchanted by the flora and fauna of the Amazon River. “The Amazon is a precious place that helps us to experience an authentic experience of God. The silence of the forest, the beauty of the trees, the admiration that this environment instills in people.”
The Church of the Amazon, according to Bishop Adolfo Zon Pereira, can help the Church offer people the opportunity to meet Christ. “I believe that our Church in the Amazon is a special place to encounter Christ and to be missionary disciples.”
http://www.xaverianos.org.br/diversidade-de-povos-distancias-e-trafico-sao-desafios-da-igreja-no-alto-solimoes-am/
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