The Church in the Amazon celebrates a new step in its pastoral journey. The Diocese of Xingu-Altamira (Brazil) canonically erected the Pastoral Area of Our Lady of Aparecida as the Parish of Our Lady of Aparecida of the Trans-Amazonian Highway, strengthening the evangelizing presence along the Trans-Amazonian Highway (BR-230), one of the most challenging and significant regions of the Amazon territory.
The celebration was presided over by the diocesan bishop, Dom João Muniz Alves, and concelebrated by priests of the diocese, with the participation of faithful from the 14 communities that now make up the new parish. It was a moment marked by thanksgiving, emotion, and ecclesial communion, an expression of a Church that walks alongside its people.
Located at km 140 of the Trans-Amazonian Highway, between the municipalities of Uruará and Medicilândia, the parish is the fruit of a long and persevering process, built on the simple faith of the people, community commitment, and the constant presence of the Church in the region.
In his homily, Dom João Muniz emphasized the historical significance of this event for the local Church:
“Today is a day to praise God. This parish is born of the firm faith of the people, the dedication of the communities, and the missionary commitment of the Church in this region. May it always be a living, missionary Church with open doors.”
Father Gerfeson Mendes dos Santos was appointed as the first parish priest, and he expressed his gratitude and hope as he took on this mission:
“This parish is not born today; it already lived in the heart of each community. I take on this service with humility, trusting in the collaboration of all to continue proclaiming the Gospel and caring for life.”
The communities see this step as recognition of a history marked by faith and resilience. Nilma Dias de Castro, community representative, recalled that the new parish is the fruit of more than fifty years of prayer, work, and unity:
“This is a milestone that recognizes the maturity and missionary commitment of our people, who have remained united even in the midst of difficulties, sustained by the love of God.”
The establishment of this new parish reaffirms the commitment of the Amazonian Church to an evangelization that is incarnate, close, and synodal. Entrusted to the intercession of Our Lady of Aparecida, the parish is called to be a sign of faith, hope, and charity in the heart of the Amazon.
- With information from the Northern Region 2 of the CNNB and the Parish of Our Lady of Aparecida da Transamazônica
