In the heart of Latin America, where the waters of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers meet, the Christian community prepares to commemorate a historic milestone: four hundred years since the Gospel first arrived in these lands. This anniversary invites us to remember our roots and celebrate how faith has grown and flourished through the centuries, uniting people from different cultures and nations.
A Journey That Began in 1626
It all began when two Jesuit priests, Diego de Boroa and Claudio Royer, established the first missionary settlement in the region on May 10, 1626. This encounter between Catholic faith and Guarani communities marked the beginning of a shared history that we celebrate today with gratitude. As the Apostle Paul reminds us:
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household" (Ephesians 2:19, NIV).
The Nautical Pilgrimage: A Symbol of Unity
To honor this anniversary, the Diocese of Puerto Iguazú has organized the fourth edition of a very special pilgrimage that will take place on the river. The activity will begin at 4:00 PM from Puerto Macuco, within Iguazú National Park, a place near the historic site where Santa María de Iguazú was founded four centuries ago.
The image of the Virgin Mary will travel on boats descending the Iguazú River, creating a moment of deep spirituality and connection with our faith history. Although capacity to participate directly on the boats is limited to 250 people, the celebration is open to all who wish to join in spirit and prayer.
A Gathering at the Triple Frontier
The culmination of the pilgrimage will be at the Three Frontiers Landmark, where the Iguazú and Paraná rivers meet, just as Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil come together. There, three bishops representing each nation will preside over a moment of ecumenical prayer:
- Bishop Nicolás Baisi, Bishop of Puerto Iguazú (Argentina)
- Bishop Pedro Collar Noguera, Bishop of Ciudad del Este (Paraguay)
- Bishop Sergio de Deus Borges, Bishop of Foz de Iguazú (Brazil)
The blessing will be pronounced in three languages: Spanish, Portuguese, and Guarani, reflecting the cultural richness of the region and reminding us that, in Christ, all barriers can be overcome. As Jesus taught us:
"That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21, NIV).
Participation for Everyone
If you cannot join the nautical journey, there is a special place for you. At 5:00 PM, at the Three Frontiers Landmark, everyone is invited to participate in the joint prayer moment. This inclusion reflects the community spirit that characterizes the Church and reminds us that every person has a place in God's family.
After the pilgrimage, the celebration will continue at the Ramón Ayala Amphitheater with a Thanksgiving Mass scheduled for 5:30 PM, followed by cultural activities that will honor the region's traditions.
Reflecting on Our Faith History
Father Rodrigo Bragañolo, chancellor secretary of the Diocese of Puerto Iguazú, shared the importance of this commemoration: "It has been four hundred years since the Gospel arrived in our lands. This first settlement was the beginning of what is now our faith community."
This celebration invites us to look back with gratitude and forward with hope. The missionaries who arrived four centuries ago responded to Jesus' call:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19, NIV).
Comments