A Riverboat for a Parish in Brazil  

The Diocese of Humaitá lies deep in the Amazon region and serves an area of about 53,000 square miles. But most of it is covered by rainforest and is thinly populated. Many communities are on the riverbanks and can only be reached via water. This makes pastoral outreach more difficult, since the river journeys are dangerous, with rapids, floating trees, snakes, and other poisonous animals. 

The parish of Our Lady, Help of Christians is based in the town of Manicoré, but it also has 51 outstations, most of which are on the riverbanks. And there are only two priests and one religious sister.  

Distances here are measured in hours by boat. It takes anywhere from four to 11 hours to reach the various communities. So up until now, it has only been possible to visit three times a year, and even then, at the cost of many sacrifices.  

But thanks to your help, things have now changed. You gave $15,452 and made it possible to buy a high-powered boat with a covered cabin, which means that the priests, the religious sister, and the lay missionaries can reach the faithful more safely than before. Now, they can visit more often, and the people are happy to receive the sacraments, as well as counsel for their different needs. 

All in all, this new boat has strengthened and simplified pastoral outreach. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for your support!  

Code: 212-01-29