Support the training of seminarians in the Diocese of Rio Branco
The Diocese of Rio Branco lies in the west of Brazil. Large sections of this area of roughly 103,000 km² are covered in rainforest. A remote region with vast distances and many settlements only accessible via water, it has a population of around 700,000 souls, approximately half a million of whom are Catholics. There is a grave shortage of priests within the diocese. With just 39 active priests, each one ministers to an average of around 13,000 faithful. In such circumstances, an intensive pastoral ministry is nearly impossible. Meanwhile, sects are spreading rapidly among the jungle communities, often with hastily trained preachers and considerable resources, promising the people miracles.
Until a few years ago, one of the best-known faces of the Church in this region was that of Italian missionary Padre Paolino Baldassari, who ministered in Brazil for almost 70 years, spending most of this time in the Amazon region. He died on April 8, 2016, at the age of 90, in the odour of sanctity.
Almost until the very end, he continued his long journeys into the jungle in his simple boat, ministering to the people. He always wore his lifejacket and motorcycle helmet, since he had never learnt to swim. And he continued to work as a doctor, even at this advanced age, treating countless patients.
Nearly half a century ago, when he first came to this region, he almost succumbed to malaria in his very first week. He survived almost miraculously, and shortly thereafter began visiting the Indigenous settlements in the rainforest in his simple canoe. On account of the shortage of priests, many families had wandered away from the practice of the Catholic faith. He brought them back, and by the end of his life, the people of his parish were 100% Catholics.
His life exemplifies the importance of the presence of the priest among his people and of the wonderful fruits his ministry can bring, but it is becoming more and more difficult to find foreign missionaries, as the number of vocations in Western countries is shrinking dramatically. Native priests are also essential because of their intimate understanding of the local culture and ability to handle the harsh rainforest climate.
By the grace of God, 14 young men from the Diocese of Rio Branco are currently studying to serve the Lord in the priesthood. We are delighted to support their formation again this year with a contribution of $16,050.
