During the Sixth General Assembly of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), held in Bogotá, Sister Alba Teresa Cediel, Superior General of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena (Laurite Missionaries), shared her joy and hope at participating in this space for encounter and discernment for the Church in the Amazon.
The religious sister emphasized that the Assembly represents a moment of grace for the Church, as it brings together bishops, consecrated persons, laypeople, and representatives of indigenous peoples to reflect together on the reality and challenges of the Amazon region.
“First of all, I feel happy and grateful to be able to participate in this assembly. It is a profound act of thanksgiving to our Lord for this powerful, vast movement, where we—bishops, consecrated persons, laypeople, and indigenous peoples—come together to analyze all the issues facing our Amazon region”.
Discovering God’s Presence in the Amazon
During her reflection, Sister Alba Teresa emphasized that the Amazon is characterized not only by its immense natural wealth but also by the challenges it faces. However, she affirmed that amid these realities, it is possible to recognize God’s presence.
“It is discovering the beauty, goodness, and greatness of God throughout this entire region, throughout this entire Amazonian biome.”
A life marked by mission in the jungle
The Superior General of the Laurite Missionaries also shared her personal experience as a missionary in the Amazon, where she spent a significant part of her pastoral life.
For nearly twenty years, she noted, her mission took place in Amazonian territories of Colombia such as Vaupés and Guaviare, an experience that profoundly marked her life and spirituality.
“I love the Amazon dearly. I have to thank God that I spent roughly 20 years of my missionary life being formed in this entire Amazonian jungle. That stays with you in your soul, it stays with you in your heart.”
A Commitment to Indigenous Peoples and Nature
Finally, the nun recalled that the path championed by Pope Francis has helped the Church rediscover the value and importance of the Amazon region for the world.
In this context, she emphasized the need to join forces to defend the dignity of indigenous peoples and the care of nature.
“We must join forces so that all these indigenous peoples and all of nature are respected in their rights and treated with justice, love, and kindness.”
Sister Alba Teresa Cediel’s participation in this Assembly reflects the commitment of consecrated life to the Church’s mission in the Amazon, accompanying the peoples of the region and contributing to the care of our Common Home.