Repairs to a Boat for Pastoral Work in Brazil

The Diocese of Humaità in the Amazon region of Brazil has its own river boat, equipped for pastoral work in many riverside communities, which, in most cases, are accessible only via the water. Such journeys are difficult and dangerous, however, and the missionaries have to cope with rapids, large floating trees, poisonous snakes, and clouds of mosquitoes. Plus, their boat was in poor condition, with rotting timbers and a damaged keel, among other defects. It was in urgent need of repair.

But thanks to our benefactors, ACN was able to give the diocese 2,900 dollars to repair the craft and make it riverworthy once again. The mission team, which includes a priest, a religious sister, and other helpers, such as seminarians and lay missionaries, now set out each month on a two-week outreach voyage, visiting the faithful in the riverside communities. They pray with them, administer the Sacraments, offer religious instruction, and generally help in all practical and spiritual matters. The team spends a day or two in each town before moving on to the next.

From time to time, Bishop Antonio Fontinele de Melo visits them himself. He is very happy to know that his riverboat is in action again, thanks to your help, and that his mission team is safer on their journey through Brazil. He writes, “The boat has already been recertified by the relevant river authorities and is carrying our missionaries along the waterways of our beloved Amazon to bring the message of the Gospel to those who most need it.“

Our warmest thanks to all who have helped!

Code: 212-08-29

Aid to the Church in Need commits to invest your funds where they will have the greatest impact for the Church 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.