After a first week full of meetings, reflections and visits to the Labrea communities, including Our Lady of Fatima, the Hope Centers, St. Rita’s School and the “Tierra Solidaria” project, the Prior General, Fr. Miguel Angel Hernandez, continues his journey in the Amazon with a second week equally intense and full of emotions.
Fr. Miguel Angel began his week with a visit to the community of Pauini, in the north of the country. Accompanied by Fr. Alfonso y Fr. Roberto Carlostoured the different areas of the mission to learn about the history and impact of the order in the region. The morning began with the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours in the community chapel, followed by a fraternal lunch with the pastoral team. During lunch, anecdotes and challenges experienced in the mission were shared, and the Prior General encouraged everyone to continue working with hope and responsibility.
The second day continued in Pauini, where they visited the Centro Esperanza. Fr. Alfonso Lázaro presented the center’s program, which supports children and adolescents in their academic, psychological and sports development. Later, they visited the “Fray Loreto site“, a natural space used for retreats and training.
The Prior General planted a palm tree in honor of his visit, a symbolic activity that represents the importance of nature in the mission. The day concluded with a Eucharistic celebration that marked the beginning of the Triduum in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The following day, Wednesday, June 5, the Prior General dedicated the day to internal meetings with those responsible for the different areas of the mission in Pauini. These meetings served to evaluate the progress of the projects and discuss future plans. In the evening, a community prayer session was held in which Fr. Miguel Angel offered words of encouragement and urged everyone to continue their work with dedication and faith.
After a long journey by boat and plane, the Prior General arrived in Manaus, capital of the state of Amazonas, on Thursday, June 6, where he was received by Fr. Juan Cruz y Fr. Rodrigo. During the day, Fr. Juan accompanied the Prior General to visit the chapels in the parish area, including St. Anthony, St. Cecilia, St. Joseph and Our Lady of Consolation. In the evening, after presiding at the Eucharist on the eve of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Prior General met with the active members of St. Rita Parish. The pastoral groups presented their work, and the Prior General thanked them for their commitment and dedication.
Fr. Michelangelo spent the day in Manaus, meeting with various community and religious leaders to discuss the current state of the mission and explore opportunities for collaboration. In the afternoon, he visited several social projects that the community develops to support the most needy. The evening culminated with a prayer vigil, where the Prior General shared reflections on the importance of mission and working together.
The following day Fr. Michelangelo arrived in Rio Branco, where he was welcomed by Msgr. JoaquÃn PertÃñezAugustinian Recollect bishop who was celebrating his 25th anniversary of episcopal ordination. The celebration of the Eucharist took place in the sports pavilion of the Imaculada Conceição Institute where the bishops Mons. Jesús Moraza and Msgr. Santiago Sánchez, current prelate of Lábrea.
On his last day of the week, the Prior General concluded his visit to the Amazon communities with a special Mass in Rio Branco. In his concluding remarks, he thanked all the religious and lay people for their hospitality and hard and committed work. He encouraged them to move forward with enthusiasm and to continue extending the mission of the church in the region: In these days, I have witnessed the love and dedication of each one of you. Their dedication is a living testimony of God’s love in action. Let us go forward with courage and faith, knowing that our work here in the Amazon is part of a greater divine plan. May the light of the Gospel continue to guide our steps and may the love of Christ continue to transform hearts in this beautiful region.
