Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Friday, 11 July 2025
IMC
Manaus (Agenzia Fides) – “The mission not only leads to Jesus, but also discovers him already present in every smile, in every stroke of the oar, in every simple gesture of love.” Sérgio Warnes, a novice at the IMC Novitiate in Manaus, recounts the experience shared by a group of Consolata Missionary (IMC) novices, who found themselves, as he himself says, “living one of the most demanding and enriching experiences of our formation: visiting the ‘ribeirinhas’ communities of the Amazon.”“The greatest lesson of this experience was the time shared with the community, with creation, and with God,” he writes. “The generosity of people is something that moves the soul. They offered us the little they had, and that little became much.” Despite the difficulties they face, their faith is alive and dynamic, expressed in fraternity, devotion, and hospitality,” the novice emphasizes.“They are witnesses that poverty is not synonymous with sadness and that spiritual wealth is real and abundant even in the midst of the jungle.”“In this Jubilee Year, we recognize with profound admiration the journey of so many men and women who, even in the midst of the jungle, walk, row, and cross entire rivers just to encounter the mystery of our existence: Jesus in the Eucharist. It is our duty as Christians to bring Jesus to the riverbanks, to the wooden houses, in the middle of the jungle, crossing rivers, enduring the heat, mosquitoes, and humidity,” adds Sérgio. “It is difficult, yes, but it is worth it. So that the Gospel may not remain confined within four walls, but may travel and reach the ends of the earth, to proclaim salvation to humanity.”“Missionary life is itinerant. In this mission, we sleep in one house, drink coffee in another, celebrate in different places, and bathe in the river water. We will return, without a doubt. Because the mission continues. And the river never stops. Where there is a community waiting, Jesus also waits for us.” (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 11/7/2025)
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