SHARED MISSION PROJECT San Lorenzo – Bolivian Amazon
For some time we have been thinking and reflecting on how to energize our presence in Bolivia. We asked different Congregations and some offered us different missions. At the January meeting we saw the different offers, they were discarded due to distance or economic reasons...
How this mission comes about
The mission/experience of San Lorenzo It arises when one day talking with the Bolivian Delegate of the Vincentian Sisters, Sr. Gladys asked me if we didn't want a mission with itinerants in Pisiga on the Chile-Bolivia border or inter-congregational work. At first I said that we didn't have it for that job because of the altitude and training. She also offered me the mission of San Lorenzo because she had met Elizabeth through health work along the Moja rivers, with the Jesuit Fathers in 2021.
We talked about it with the sisters and asked to talk to Sister. Gladys. The Sisters Vincentians from Bolivia were at a meeting-retreat with the Provincial Vicariate, Sister. María Elisa Ortiz.
On January 31, he welcomed us; The Vincentian Vicar who accompanied his provincial team was there, we were able to start the conversation. They were already informed and accepted the experience in the Itinerant Mission of San Lorenzo (Moxos). I invite you to the Sisters. Zenobia, Juanita with whom the experience would be and on our part, Elizabeth and Kim (we spoke at length with Kim because it was thought that she would begin her studies this year, she said that she wanted to have the mission experience in Moxos... it was proposed to her for only one year then study). This is how the dialogue began between them and with us (part of the regional team and the sisters who would be assigned). We talked about the lifestyle we have and our way of supporting ourselves with our work. From the beginning they told us that there was ITEM for a teacher; There was no nurse, she spoke with Elizabeth, clarifying if she accepts to go as a teacher, she is the only one who has a degree as a teacher and a nurse, I accept to go as a teacher. That is the economic contribution to the community.
They talked, prayed, and the day to leave was set for February 20...
The distance does not matter
The distance is great. Leave CBBA. to Trinidad; from there take a small plane to San Lorenzo. Crossing rivers is impossible; They are abundant (from June to November you can go by land, it is cheaper).
This is how this new Inter-congregational experience began. Between Vincentian sisters and Missionaries of Christ Jesus. With Sister Gladys, we agreed that after some time of experience in San Lorenzo we would go see them, listen to them...That's what we did. We will share more details in the next newsletter.
We agree to continue the process begun, allowing them to live in accordance with the project they are carrying out, asking the Risen Lord that He enlighten them and give them the ability to discern in this new path begun, wanting to respond to the reality of VR. New searches for presence in such remote places.
A hug, my love and prayers for this Itinerant Mission.
MARIVI
