Itapeaçu is located in the state of Amazonas, which made for an exciting journey that took almost two days. First, we flew from San Salvador via São Paulo to Manaus, where we were able to spend the night in a house of a priest who is a friend of the sisters. The following morning, we were able to enjoy the beautiful nature along the Amazon River during the more than six-hour river trip.
Our two sisters work in Itapeaçu and the surrounding villages in parish pastoral care and make home visits. One of the two sisters is also the coordinator with a team in the prelature of the city of Itacoatiara for the pastoral training of the laity. The sisters are greatly appreciated by the people for their work and commitment. They are often invited to various family celebrations.
On Sunday, we were able to celebrate the liturgy of the word in a small village community. After the lottery game of bingo, we were invited for lunch at the parish coordinator’s house before we took the boat back to Itapeaçu on the river.
Shortly before our arrival, the large Franciscan hospital ship docked at the small harbor. The ship is a real hospital with examination and surgery rooms and rooms for sick people. In addition to a permanent crew, doctors and nursing staff work for a few weeks or even months free of charge for the people in the Amazon region. The people along the river are grateful for this help, which was initiated by the late Pope Francis.
It was unusual for us that people almost always have an umbrella with them (against the sun or rain). This is a consequence of the floods of rain that usually come as a surprise. Unfortunately, the cool wet is soon replaced by a sultry heat – the humidity is often over 90 %. The frequent thunderstorms and torrential rain repeatedly cause power outages, which we also experienced. In addition to mosquito spray, a flashlight is a necessary accessory for a trip to the Amazon.
On Sunday afternoon and late into the night, we experienced a total power outage after a heavy downpour. The Franciscan friar responsible for the Amazon ship invited the parish to celebrate Sunday evening mass on the ship. It was a special experience to walk to the ship with a flashlight in the midst of the parish community and witness an adult baptism there. At the end of the service, we were allowed to visit the ship with its examination rooms and operating theaters. And then – after our return to the house – suddenly the light went on again and with it water, WiFi and the cooling air conditioning.
We arrived on Friday at lunchtime, and on Monday morning we returned to Manaus and took the plane to Rio de Janeiro, as the ship only sails on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.