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Posted by Project of the Week on 18/5/2009, 9:00 am
Board Administrator
BRAZIL
Help to finish the extension of the "Agua Viva" convent in Itacoatiara
It is exactly 20 years since the first Benedictine convent was built in the rainforest of Amazonia. It bears the name "Agua Viva" – or "living water", and was founded on the initiative of a group of Belgian Benedictine nuns. But today, five of the seven sisters who live a life of prayer and work here are native Brazilian women. Only last November another young Brazilian woman from the Amazon region, Sister Maria Gabriela, made her solemn profession – a day of great joy, not only for the convent but for all the people of the area. For this convent has a powerful pastoral presence throughout the region. Many people come here to take part in days of recollection, led by the sisters in the form of individual or group retreats. Also, one of the Benedictine nuns teaches at the seminary in Itacoatiara.
When the convent was founded in 1989, the nuns initially lived in a small house. Little by little, despite their limited resources, they managed to build a small complex and chapel. But today the convent no longer has enough space for the enlarged community and the visitors who come to the days of recollection. And the chapel likewise is now too small – added to which it is extremely hot, despite the fans – and can no longer accommodate all those who wish to attend Holy Mass. And so the convent must be urgently extended. But the sisters, who can barely support themselves through their host baking and already live in extreme poverty, simply cannot afford the cost.
The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN)has agreed to help with a grant of over $85,000. To help this cause please contact the Australian office of ACN on (02) 9679-1929. e-mail: info@aidtochurch.org or write to Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 6245 Blacktown DC NSW 2148. Web: www.aidtochurch.org
The convent of the Benedictine Sisters in Itacoatiara is being extended.
(Code: 212-06-19)
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to the Church in Need PO Box 6245 Blacktown DC NSW 2148 ABN: 62 418
911 594
Ph/Fax (02) 9679-1929 e-mail: info@aidtochurch.org
web: www.aidtochurch.org
