In the city of Riberalta, the Apostolic Vicariate of Pando commemorated the 84th anniversary of its founding with a celebration marked by remembrance, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to the mission in the Amazon. The Eucharist was presided over by Bishop Eugenio Coter, who delivered a profound homily, weaving together history, self-reflection, and hope.
Memories of a Church Born Amid the History of the Amazon
During his address, Bishop Coter recalled that the origins of the faith in this region date back to the mid-19th century, in a context marked by the rubber boom. It was in 1877 that the first episcopal visit was recorded, with the arrival of Bishop Santiestevan, in a territory where initial evangelization was driven primarily by laypeople living along the riverbanks.
This early ecclesial presence developed amid profound social tensions. The bishop did not shy away from the shadows of the past, recalling episodes of exploitation and violence against indigenous peoples during the rubber boom. In that context, he underscored the importance of acknowledging history with honesty, while reaffirming the Church’s role in defending human dignity.
A mission marked by unexpected turns
One of the most significant moments of the homily was the evocation of the origin of the Maryknoll missionaries’ presence in the region. Originally destined for Japan, their mission changed course following the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. This event led them to Bolivia, where they took charge of the Vicariate for decades.
“The Lord knows how to write straight with crooked lines,” said Bishop Coter, highlighting how even the most painful events in history can open unexpected paths for the mission.
A living Church sustained by the people
The Apostolic Vicariate of Pando was officially established on April 29, 1942, by Pope Pius XII, encompassing territories in the department of Pando and provinces such as Vaca Díez, Iturralde, and Ballivián.
In concluding his message, Bishop Coter strongly emphasized the central role of the laity in the life of the Amazonian Church today. “Our Church is alive thanks to the commitment of hundreds of laypeople,” he affirmed, recognizing their work in communities that are often remote and have little clerical presence.
A Call to Renew the Missionary Spirit
This anniversary has not only been an occasion to remember the past but also to look toward the future. In harmony with the journey of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA), the celebration reaffirms the urgency of a Church with an Amazonian face: close to the people, incarnate, synodal, and committed to the defense of life and the territories.
Eighty-four years after its creation, the Apostolic Vicariate of Pando remains a sign of a Church that, amid historical and present-day challenges, remains faithful to its evangelizing mission, walking alongside the peoples of the Amazon and allowing itself to be moved by their cries and hopes.
