As of May 26, 2024, the Prior General, Fr. Miguel Angel Hernandezis visiting the missionary communities of Labrea, in the State of Amazonas (Brazil). During his stay, the Prior General participated in various religious and social activities, learning about the dedication and commitment of the missionaries in one of the most challenging regions of the world.
Fr. Miguel Angel began his visit to the communities of the Labrea mission accompanied by the general councilor and the person in charge of the missions, Fr. Ismael Xuruc. On their first day, they participated in the Eucharist at the Our Lady of Fatima community. In his homily, the Prior General urged the families to help and love one another, reflecting the Father. He also highlighted the courage and commitment of the missionaries in the region.
The second day was marked by moments of prayer and visits to the Hope Centers and St. Rita’s School. The Hope Centers, established 30 years ago, provide shelter and education to vulnerable children. At St. Rita’s School, he visited the museum of Sister Cleusa and celebrated the Eucharist in the Cathedral of Labrea. Fr. Michelangelo emphasized the importance of prayer and the dedication of the missionaries.
The visit continued with a meeting with the prior and pastor, Fr. Luis Amilcar Reyes, and the director of Centro Esperanza, Fr. Sergio Perez. Together they analyzed the state of the mission and shared different experiences. In the afternoon, he accompanied Msgr. Santiago Sanchez, Bishop of Lácrea, at the Mass in the community of Santa Rita, where they remembered the martyrdom of Sister Cleusa. As explained by Fr. Michelangelo, the “Amazon Mass” was a moving reminder of Cleusa’s legacy and an encouragement to continue the evangelizing mission.
On his fourth day of the trip, he visited “Tierra Solidaria”, a project with more than 100 houses for homeless families, and the Centro Esperanza, which offers workshops and educational programs. Fr. Miguel Ángel emphasized the importance of gratitude and responsibility, and expressed his satisfaction with the work of the religious in Labrea.
During the fifth day he toured the vulnerable areas of Labrea together with Msgr. Santiago and Mons. Jesús Moraza, bishop emeritus of Lábrea. He visited the local market and the carpets prepared for the Corpus Christi procession. In the afternoon, he concelebrated the solemn Eucharist and participated in the procession with the Most Holy Body of Christ. The visit concluded with a feeling of gratitude and satisfaction for the experience of fraternity and faith lived in the mission of Labrea.
Fr. Michelangelo will visit the communities in northern Brazil until July 1, with the aim of reinforcing the Order’s commitment to the local communities. For him, it is inspiring to see how the dedication and sacrifice of our brothers and sisters here in the Amazon are making such a significant difference in the lives of these communities.