In an atmosphere of fraternity and enthusiasm, the virtual meeting was held this Monday, May 6, with more than 40 bishops of the Brazilian Amazon, as part of the preparation process for the next Meeting of Bishops of the Amazon, which is held in continuity with the synodal path initiated by the Synod for the Amazon and Synodality and the shared dreams in Querida Amazonia.
From the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), Monsignor Zenildo Lima (Vice President), Marcelo A. Lemos (Executive Secretary) and Cecilia Barja (Meeting Commission of Bishops of the Amazon) participated, who presented the logistical progress and confirmed the dates and conditions of the meeting. It was highlighted that it will be a space for deep listening, focused on the current reality of the territory and its challenges.
To date, 54 bishops of Brazil have confirmed their participation, while 17 have excused their attendance and about 5 have not yet responded, to whom a reminder has been sent.
Among the proposals received, that of Monsignor Erwin Kräutler stood out, who asked if there was a space to address the current problems facing the Amazon. It was confirmed that the first day of the meeting will be dedicated to seeing and listening to the Amazonian reality, which was received with joy.
For his part, Monseñor Antônio de Assis highlighted the importance of the Santarém Document for the Churches of Brazil, and asked if the other Amazonian countries had similar documents. In response, it was announced that Father Julio Caldeira, IMC, will soon present his book within the framework of the meeting, and each national delegation will be invited to also share key or “seminal” documents from their respective ecclesial processes.