THE SISTER DISCIPLES OF THE DIVINE MASTER CELEBRATE THEIR PRESENCE IN THE DIOCESE OF COARI, AMAZONAS, BRAZIL
Evangelization is continually part of the contemplation of Jesus Christ present in the Church, which is enriched by leaving everything for him. Yes, the work of evangelization is a consequence of the fidelity of the Church to Jesus Christ and the kingdom he has established.
The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of those who encounter Jesus (Evangelium Gaudium). This is a missionary joy that must be proclaimed to all people, ad gentes, in every time and place. The Church of God is composed of diverse persons in mission, of various ages and ethnicities, with the participation of all, in collegiality, that is, walking together and in communion.
Following the road undertaken, and in response to the call of this living Church, one year ago the Sister Disciples answered the call of the Diocese of Coari. Through the invitation of Bishop Marcos Piatek, the presence of the Sister Disciples was established as an itinerant community. Three sisters form the community with a liturgical mission: Sr. Immaculada Coutinho, Sr. Leticia Pontini and Sr. Luzia Frigeri. They collaborate with the diocese for the formation of the coordinators and of the communities.
Now, in February 2018, they celebrate one year of residence in the Diocese of Coari, in the city of Codajás, which is located in the center of the Amazon. Sr. Luzia Frigeri reports: “We live in a parish that has 32 river communities and seven urban communities. All of these are located on the banks of the Solimões River. We, Sister Disciples, and Fr. Luiz Carlos Sales de Amorim, visit these communities. We celebrate with them: at times with the priest and at other times by ourselves. Together with the communities we undertake a liturgical journey to provide pastoral care. We experience the power of Christ, Shepherd and Master, who assists us in being a Church reaching out. Our Province of Brazil has sustained and encouraged our ministry to this Church, which suffers from the distance and the adverse conditions created by being so far from the rest of the country “.
With grateful hearts, the Sister Disciples celebrate this anniversary in the Diocese of Coari. May this missionary experience be a source of grace for all.