The first and most tangible challenge of the mission is geography itself: a journey from Macapá to Oiapoque that, due to roughly 130 km of unpaved roads during the Amazonian rainy season—when heavy rains prevail—takes a grueling 10 to 11 hours. This arduous trek stands as the first testament to the resilience required to maintain the Church’s presence in the country’s far north.
The Diocese of Macapá, in its own right, represents a monumental logistical challenge, as it encompasses the vast territory of the State of Amapá. Within this immense landscape, the Catholic Church’s work extends across dozens of municipalities, reaching isolated communities, indigenous villages, quilombos (traditional Afro-Brazilian settlements), and hundreds of river-dwelling families. The intensity of this work is measured not only in miles but in the diversity of peoples who must be reached by the Gospel message.
Bishop Antônio’s itinerary in Oiapoque was a faithful reflection of pastoral urgencies. He did not only visit urban communities but ventured into the peripheries, witnessing firsthand the housing crises caused by migration—many drawn by the illusion of development, such as the promise of oil. The bishop devoted time to organizing the Parish Pastoral Council (CPP), celebrated the Eucharist, and administered confirmations; however, his focus remained on a vision for the future: the coordination required to create a new Missionary Area.
“This pastoral restructuring is urgent. In just two years, Oiapoque has seen the emergence of seven new neighborhoods (informal settlements)—rapid population growth that requires the Church to reorganize across all dimensions. The creation of Missionary Areas, such as the one planned to be entrusted to the Missionaries of the Work of Mary, is a vital theological and pastoral response. It reflects the ecclesiology of a ‘Church Going Forth’—a call for the ecclesial structure to reach out to new urban ‘deserts,’ ensuring that investments in leadership training and land acquisition leave no one behind,” explained Bishop Antônio.
In his sermons and meetings, Bishop Antônio encouraged leaders to develop a new sensitivity and dynamism, reinforcing the need to welcome migrants and invest in training new local leaders. This is the path toward the sustainability of the mission—a crucial point, especially in remote areas such as indigenous villages and quilombola communities.
Regarding the massive migration to Oiapoque driven by the hope of job opportunities from oil royalties, the Bishop of Macapá offered a critical perspective on this growth: “Yes, I believe there will be great opportunities for investment and development for the municipality and the State. However, human development depends on the quality of resource management by municipal and state authorities. Therefore, a preventive anti-corruption plan is necessary. Generally, where large amounts of money enter without oversight, rampant corruption and increased poverty follow. It is urgent, then, to focus on training public managers with an ethical spirit and on socially responsible companies.”
Accompanying the Villages and the Seed of Vocations
The evangelization and catechesis of indigenous peoples constitute a central and delicate pillar of the Church’s work in Amapá. In the Diocese of Macapá, the mission reaches notable groups such as the Waiãpi, Palikur, Tiriyó, Galibi Marworno, and Karipuna, among others. “The Church’s work transcends the simple transmission of doctrine; it is an act of human and cultural accompaniment. In a scenario of economic crisis, such as the plague affecting cassava production and generating government dependency, the Catholic presence offers a spiritual reference point and promotes dignity, helping to restore a sense of community belonging lost to external reliance. More than that, the Church works with the hope of planting seeds—discovering and nurturing new local vocations. Training indigenous leaders and catechists ensures that the Gospel message is spoken and lived by voices that carry the wisdom and identity of their own ethnicities,” the bishop said.
Regarding evangelization, Bishop Antônio de Assis further emphasized: “The service of evangelization in all human contexts must always be multidimensional. Here in Oiapoque, among indigenous ethnicities, we certainly need to further encourage the development of Catholic leadership. We must invest in the ministry of the laity, focusing also on the possibility of ordaining indigenous deacons. Ultimately, it is necessary to reflect with young people on the importance of vocational discernment, presenting them with the calling to consecrated, religious, and priestly life.”
Given the vastness of his mission, Bishop Antônio de Assis Ribeiro relies on the solidarity of the wider Church. The arrival of priests from other dioceses is a gesture of fraternal communion that lightens the load for the bishop and his teams. These temporary missionaries are essential for reaching the most remote locations, helping the local Church map new neighborhoods and, most importantly, discover and nurture the new vocations sprouting from Amapá’s own soil—ensuring the mission is always led by those who deeply understand the reality of the Amazon.
By Vivian Marler / Communications Advisor for CNBB North 2
