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Christ Redeemer Parish in Buenaventura |
he mission adventure of the Xaverian Missionaries began in Buenaventura in February 1975 with the advent of three priests from Spain. The General Direction accepted the invitation of Bishop Heriberto Correa Yèpez (a missionary bishop himself) for they were convinced that in this land of Colombia there was a great need to proclaim the gospel. In fact, to the great number of baptized corresponded a poor Christian witness, with broken families, the
up evil of social injustice, corruption at all levels, and a daily dramatic violence.
In the midst of this situation, the Xaverians’ first assignment was “Sacred Heart” Parish in the “El Firme” barrio. The first and foremost goal of the parish was evangelization, the living of the Gospel message among the Christians gathered. Together with this goal, the Xaverians worked at building the necessary structures for the running of the parish, which held meetings of formation for adults, education of leaders, formation of catechists who were sent to various places.
In truth, we have to say that at times, our work did not give us enough time to reflect on the situation of the people, trying to work together toward the common goal. After these 30 years of presence, we are finally focusing all our efforts in the sharing of spiritual, personal and community life. Actually, this seems a common refrain of missionary endeavors, not only in Colombia. But even these shadow times have helped us to believe in the service we do, and brought also some spiritual fruits.
Many young people and young adults are approaching the sacrament of baptism, are studying the foundations of our Christian faith through the “Catechism of the Catholic Church”, and walk together with our catechists and sponsors involved in the various ministries of the parish. These “new converts” to the faith become the first missionaries of the newfound faith, and call others to follow their example. We are blessed indeed.
It’s been three years since the ordination of Fr. Gerardo Pretèl, son of this land, who has been working in the Dem. Republic of Congo, as missionary “Ad Gentes”, a pure example of the missionary spirit we hope to share with all.
With the advent of more missionary, we opened another parish, in the outskirts of Buenaventura, following our own charism. We moved in the Bolivar barrio and established a new Christian community of “Christ the Redeemer.” It’s a growing community, with many chapels that reach many people. At the same time, after 25 years of presence, we decided to give back to the local priest the parish of Sacred Heart, since we believed that the phase of “First Proclamation” had taken place, and to therefore focus our resources on the new parish.
Once again, we build structures suitable for the parish, and concentrated our efforts on the ministry of evangelization, following the guidelines of the “Congress for the New Evangelization” established by bishop Rigoberto Corredor Bermùdez.
This involves all our energies and ministries on the formation of small Christian communities, so that the whole parish may become “evangelized and evangelizer.” A slogan only? We don’t believe, because it takes a toll on all our time and work. It is the direction that the Vatican Council II expressed for all churches. The ending goal of it is a “Ministerial Church” where each person contributes towards the needy, according to the guidance and gifts of the Spirit. And so we have ministries for the Community, for Evangelization, for Catechesis, for the Liturgy, of Social Concerns, for the Sick, for the Youth and of Prayer. We are also working on the pastoral work on behalf of families, which we hope to make it a reality and the number one priority in our service here.
All of this pastoral work involves over 350 people, divided in 25 small Christian communities. And, over the last 5 years, we have developed the RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). We believe we are walking in the right path! Many young people and young adults are approaching the sacrament of baptism, are studying the foundations of our Christian faith through the “Catechism of the Catholic Church”, and walk together with our catechists and sponsors involved in the various ministries of the parish. These “new converts” to the faith become the first missionaries of the newfound faith, and call others to follow their example. We are blessed indeed.
All of these activities are changing the face of our parish, and we believe, even the life here in Buenaventura. As the national anthem of Colombia says: “In the furrows of pain, Good is already germinating.”
(From Misioneros Javerianos de Parma)