The diocese of Rio Branco lies in the west of Brazil. Large sections of this vast area of over 40,000 square miles (104,000 km²) are covered in rainforest. A remote and inaccessible region with vast distances and many settlements only accessible via water, it has a population of around 700,000 souls of whom approximately half a million are Catholics. There is a grave shortage of priests within the diocese, with just 39 active priests, so that on average each one has to minister to almost 13,000 faithful. In such circumstances an intensive pastoral ministry is barely possible. Meanwhile, the sects are spreading rapidly among the jungle communities, often with hastily trained preachers and considerable resources, and promising the people miracles.
Among the best-known faces of the Church in this region until a few years ago was the Italian missionary Padre Paolino Baldassari, who ministered for almost 70 years in Brazil, spending most of this time in the Amazon region. He died on April 8, 2016 at the age of 90, in the odour of sanctity. Right until nearly the end he continued to travel long journeys into the jungle in his simple boat, ministering to the people. He always wore his lifejacket and motorcycle helmet, since he had never learnt to swim. And he continued to work as a doctor, even at this advanced age, treating countless numbers of patients.
Almost half a century ago, when he first came to this particular region, he almost succumbed to malaria in his very first week. But he survived, almost miraculously, and soon after began to visit the indigenous settlements in the rainforest in his simple canoe. On account of the shortage of priests, many families had wandered away from the practice of the Catholic faith. He brought them back, and by the end of his life the people of his parish were 100% Catholics.
His life exemplifies the importance of the presence of the priest among his people and of the wonderful fruits his ministry can bring. Today, however, it is getting more and more difficult to find foreign missionaries, since the number of vocations in Western lands is shrinking dramatically. Besides, the importance of native-born priests is clearly evident, since they are also best placed to understand the local culture and cope with the demanding climate of the rainforest region.
By the grace of God, there are 14 young men today from the diocese of Rio Branco who are currently studying to serve the Lord in the priesthood. We are delighted to be able to support their formation once again – this year with a contribution of 10,700 Euros.
