Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quilacahuín (Fides Service) - A priest and a religious of the Vincentian Lazarists (Congregation of the Mission), father
Neftali Shaw and brother Jorge Hidalgo, have defined the ministry of pastoral missionary that they have been carrying out since January in the parish of "San Bernardino " Quilacahuín city in the rural area of Osorno as a "rewarding experience". Starting from the parish and travelling long distances, they have both managed to arrive in the area on the coast, to continue the work of evangelization which for centuries the diocese has been carrying out.
"It has been a radical change, a different rhythm, other experiences, a work to revive vocation, visiting remote and difficult areas. There are brothers who walk miles to get to Mass and we have appreciated this, it is something that actually encourages us to continue the work of evangelization" Father Shaw wrote in the letter sent to the Diocese of Osorno of which a copy was sent to Fides. Brother Jorge had already worked in rural communities: "the problems that appear and that may arise lead us to focus our work even more on people, to think about their interests and needs".
"The peculiarity of this territory includes the need to constantly be on a mission", underlines Fr. Shaw, giving the example of the dozens of young people in "Santa Marta" school, which, coordinated by the two religious men, have visited all the houses in the city bringing the message of Christ. "This experience has really helped us in our work of evangelization", said Brother Jorge.
The main problem the two Lazarists face is the geographical distances between communities; "it becomes very difficult to gather all people and implement a pastoral plan. We hope that the church community becomes more active, conscious that its contribution is important, to help our work, attending meetings and gatherings, in order to deeply live moments, just like what happened at Easter, when we gathered in many, despite weather problems. To do this we are looking for other means, so that the faithful become aware of how important it is to live as Church", concludes father Neftali Shaw. (EC) (Agenzia Fides 07/08/2011)
