Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santarem (Agenzia Fides) – On January 26, 1980, the first priests from the Society of the Divine Word arrived in Santarem-Pará: Francisco Kom, José Gross, and Patricio Brennan. Thus, the Missionary Society of the Divine Word has been present in the Amazon for 30 years on mission. To commemorate this date, a schedule of events has been prepared that includes lectures on the presence of the congregation in the five continents, a retreat, a meeting, and exhibition of the work done. The events will take place between September 8 and 17 in Verdiama, Santarem (Brazil), and will be attended by 34 Divine Word Missionaries from 10 countries and 120 lay representatives from various cities.
One of these events to celebrate 30th anniversary of the Divine Word Missionaries is a Congress dealing with the theme: "The Pastoral Mission in the Amazon: Challenges and Alternatives."
The Congress will be held September 11 and 12 and will consist of two days of intense work. The missionaries who work in the area have a work experience in parishes as the main network of the community, where missionary experiences with young people and catechesis with children begin.
In the Amazon region of Brazil, the Divine Word Missionaries work in both urban and rural settings: in the Diocese of Macapá in Oiapoque (indigenous mission), the Diocese of Roraima (Boa Vista), the Diocese of Santarém in São Raimundo, in Santarenzinho, in Eixo Forte, and in Arapiuns, the Prelature of Óbidos in Alenquer, in Oriximiná, the Prelature of Itaituba in Trairão, and in Rurópolis.
The missionaries give priority to work in what concerns justice and peace, the dignity of children, mission work, spirituality, the Bible, communications, and training leaders in the community. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 03/09/2010)
