After celebrating the closing Mass of the first Meeting of Bishops of the Amazon in the Primatial Cathedral of Colombia, the Amazonian pastors made a fraternal visit to several social works of the Archdiocese of Bogotá and to the Eudes Foundation of UNIMINUTO, in order to learn firsthand about concrete experiences of pastoral service, mercy, and human promotion in the country’s capital.
The visits took place in three significant locations:
- San Bernardo Integral Pastoral Center: a place that provides comprehensive care to homeless people and migrants, accompanying them in processes of inclusion and hope.
- Hermano Ettore Integral Pastoral Center and Casa Esperanza: a project located in the District of Mercy, which welcomes homeless people and those with drug addiction problems, offering them human, spiritual, and community support.
- Fundación Eudes (UNIMINUTO): a pastoral initiative that works to dignify women in prostitution and accompany diversity, promoting processes of inclusion and defense of life.
With these visits, the bishops reaffirmed that the Church’s evangelizing mission is inseparably linked to social commitment, especially to the poorest and most vulnerable. The experience allowed bonds of fraternity to be forged between the Amazon and the Church of Bogotá, sharing lessons that strengthen the social and pastoral dimension of proclaiming the Gospel.
The tour culminated with a call to continue building a Samaritan Church, close and with a face of mercy, capable of recognizing Christ himself, the Good Shepherd and Lord of life, in the most excluded.