Under the theme “Weaving Relationships in Times of Transition”, the Manaus-Roraima Regional Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB) held its 2026 Regional Assembly from September 11 to 13—a space for encounter, remembrance, reflection, and commitment for Consecrated Religious Life in the Amazon.
The Assembly brought together men and women religious to strengthen community bonds, renew networks of solidarity, and deepen their commitment to the defense of territories and socio-ecclesial transformation. Sister Sônia Pinho de Matos, vice president of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), participated in this gathering, accompanying this process of reflection and celebration of Religious Life in the region.
Weaving Relationships to Overcome Today’s Challenges
The Assembly set as one of its central objectives to strengthen the bonds that unite Consecrated Religious Life in order to face the “currents” of our times, thereby reinforcing a presence committed to the realities of Amazonian communities and peoples.
Through moments of formation, celebration, dialogue, and community participation, the participants reflected on the challenges facing Religious Life in the Amazon and on the need to continue building relationships based on listening, care, discernment, respect, and reconciliation.
The gathering also revisited the priorities of the National CRB related to a culture of care and the creation of safe spaces, as well as the lived experience of a synodal spirituality that translates into community life and a prophetic mission committed to the realities of the region.
“Puxirum” of Faith and Citizenship
One of the central moments of the Assembly was the session “Puxirum, Faith, and Citizenship: Rowing Together to Transform Reality”, inspired by the Amazonian practice of community work and conceived as an invitation to join forces to transform the realities affecting the peoples of the region.
The reflection addressed the impact of civic participation and what is known as “political charity” on the lives of impoverished and vulnerable populations, in the Amazonian territories, and in the defense of our Common Home.
The dialogue featured the participation of diverse voices connected to social, Indigenous, and Amazonian realities, which helped to deepen understanding of citizens’ responsibility and the commitment of religious life to transforming the structures that generate exclusion and vulnerability.
In this context, the Assembly revisited Pope Francis’s invitation in Fratelli Tutti to understand politics as a form of charity when it seeks the common good and promotes social processes of fraternity and justice.
60 Years of Presence and Mission in the Amazon
The Assembly also took on special significance as it commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Manaus-Roraima Regional CRB, gratefully reflecting on the historic presence and journey of Consecrated Religious Life in the Amazon.
Under the theme “Memory at the stern, prophecy at the bow: an ancestral seed determined to bloom in the forest”, the religious men and women reflected on the experiences that have marked this presence and, at the same time, pondered the new calls that the region poses for Religious Life.
The symbolic use of oars and a canoe expressed the desire to continue sailing together, recognizing memory as a source of strength to move forward and prophecy as a horizon for responding to the new challenges of the Amazon.
Among the questions that guided this moment were: What are the prophetic signs of Religious Life in the Amazon? How can we continue to respond to the region’s new calls? And where is the Holy Spirit leading Consecrated Religious Life in this territory?
A Church Committed to the Amazon
The participation of the CEAMA vice president in this Assembly reaffirms the importance of strengthening the bonds between Consecrated Religious Life and the Church in the Amazon, by promoting spaces for listening, collaboration, and joint discernment.
In a region marked by profound social, cultural, and environmental transformations, these spaces help renew an ecclesial presence that is close to the people, committed to the defense of life, and open to the new paths proposed by the Spirit.
The 2026 Regional Assembly concluded with a Eucharistic celebration and a commitment to continue building relationships, strengthening networks, and working together for an Amazon where life, the dignity of the people, and care for our Common Home are shared paths.
