A Car for a Parish in Bolivia 

“In this time of a great crisis in humanity we remain united in prayer and working for a world of peace, in the footsteps of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you!” These are the words of Father Antonio Zavatarelli, writing in thanks for a grant of $27,400, made possible by ACN donors, that enabled him to purchase a sturdy all-terrain vehicle for this parish as he ministers to the faithful and those in need in Bolivia. 

In addition to his work in the parish of Peñas, Father Antonio, who is originally from Italy, also runs a school in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, which stands at an altitude of 11,975 feet, the highest capital city in the world. 

The 27 villages that make up his parish range in altitude, up to 16,900 feet, and the rough roads and tracks are littered with deep potholes, stones and muddy stretches that are a challenge to any vehicle. Frequent snowfall provides a further risk. 

Many people here live in great poverty, while the hostile climate, combined with environmental pollution and soil erosion, makes life still harder. A lot of the young people drop out of school early and seek their fortune in the big city, where instead of the better life they had hoped for, they often find themselves rootless and without prospects in the suburban slums, without work and surrounded by a world of alcohol, drugs and crime. As a result, there is a great need for intensive pastoral care both in the rural areas and in the cities. 

Now, thanks to your generous help, Father Antonio can more easily reach the people who truly need him. 

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church that we serve. Funds donated to Aid to the Church in Need’s projects will be used towards the greatest need in our programs to help keep the Faith alive.

Code: 211-01-29