ASIA/INDONESIA - On mission in the rain forests of Papua: an Augustinian shares his experience

Saturday, 1 April 2006

Jayapura (Fides Service) - Hectares of rain forest, thick vegetation at times inaccessible, with sporadic human settlements of native tribes: in this scenario works Indian, Augustinian father Cornelis Bame in the diocese of Jayapura, in west Papua. Indonesia.
Fr. Cornelis lives in the rainforest in the village of Ubrub, close to the border with Papua New Guinea. “The miracle - he says - is that here there is a Catholic community which celebrates and witnesses to the love of God. The village was evangelised in the past by Franciscan missionaries and the people have kept a simple faith made of prayer and brotherly solidarity”.
The parish also runs a primary schools for 200 children. The local Church offers a valid service of education enabling the local families to help their children grow culturally.
The nearest Augustinian confrere for Fr. Cornelis is Fr Lambert Pati who lives in the village of Yuruf, four hours trek through the jungle. The priests keep sporadic contact by telephone. “Evangelisation and human promotion make progress in this remote part of the world - the missionary says - while life follows the seasons and nature. The local people are hunters and farmers who thank God every day for the gift of life with faith which is simple but sincere”.
The diocese of Jayapura, guided by Bishop Leo Laba Ladjar is one of four in Papua. The area, also called Irian Jaya, at times is the scene of violence between the Indonesian army and separatist movements. The Church promotes reconciliation and respect for human rights and guarantees basic social services. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 1/4/2006 righe 26 parole 263)


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