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Ayacucho Archdiocese in Peru Celebrates 400 Years of Ministry |
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Columban Sisters Mary Nolan and Anne Carbon send this report: |
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On July 20, 2009 a gloriously sunny morning in Ayacucho, we gathered with the people from north, centre and south of the Archdiocese for the Jubilee celebration of the Archdiocese. It's 400 years since Ayacucho became a Diocese, so a great time for looking back with gratitude and forward with hope. For the past 3 years we've been involved in mission - an effort to deepen the faith of the people and a preparation for the events of this week. |
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Bishops arrived from all over Peru for the
celebration; there was also a bishop from Spain and
one from Miami. The Pope's special representative
was Cardinal Cipriani, a person not very popular in
Ayacucho since during his years in office here in
terrorist times his care for the people left much to
be desired. There was a certain nervousness in case
there might be protests during the celebration.
However, all moved peacefully and there was a great
sense of joy and gratitude in the celebrations of
the vigil, during the Mass and later in the sharing
of food and drink. The many 'lines' of the Church
seemed to blend into a colorful rainbow as members
of Opus Dei, of Sodalitium and of Liberation
Theology shared in conversation, prayer and food.
The highlight of the Liturgy for us was when the 'campesinos'
participated in the Offertory procession bringing to
the altar the fruits of their fields and the work of
their hands. The people of the Selva ( jungle)
were also represented bringing with them the
richness of their traditions. |
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Many meaningful words were spoken, but maybe the message of our own Archbishop sums up best the meaning of this time. In a part of his exhortation he states: "We need a local Church that makes a firm commitment to heal and close the wounds of a people who have suffered much, victims of years of social violence. The task is to help people overcome traumas, anger and hatred in order to reach forgiveness and true reconciliation among all the people of Ayacucho. In this way we will reach a Peace which will lead us along the path of integral development for all our peoples...." |
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To contact the Columban Sisters in the Archdiocese of Ayacucho,
E-mail:
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