Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - Bishop Josè Alfonso Ribeiro of the apostolic prelature of Borba, in the heart of the Amazon forest, in Rome to pray at the tomb of Pope John Paul II, shared with Fides the exciting news of a new mission which will be opened in his Prelature in November. The mission buildings, now well underway, will include a home for street children, a home for unmarried mothers, a medical centre and a chapel.
The building has been funded by the “Padre Pio missionary in the world” programme which has already financed a similar complex in Tura diocese, India. The aim of the programme is to help spread Padre Pio’s Franciscan charisma of charity by means of concrete aid in remote areas
The Prelature of Borba has 90,000 Catholics and an area as large as half of Italy covered mainly by rain forests. The people, mostly native Indians, are assisted by 13 priests and growing numbers of committed lay people involved in catechesis and charity work.
The Bishop told Fides that here in the heart of the Amazon forest the year of the Eucharist is a time for special adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in all the missions and chapels. A local Catholic radio Radio San Antonio is a valid help for teaching the people more about the faith through a variety of programmes on Christian formation and daily broadcast of Mass.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 9/5/2005 righe 24 parole 265)
