Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rio Branco (Agenzia Fides) - Rio Branco, in the State of Acre, in Brazil, on the border with Peru and Bolivia, is a particularly critical area for migrants: according to data of the Secretariat of Justice and Human Rights of the State of Acre, from 2010 until March 2015, 35,938 entered through this border of whom, 32,793 Haitians, 2,774 Senegalese, 322 from the Dominican Republic. According to statistics, between 300 and 1,200 migrants arrive each day in Rio Branco, in a structure that can accommodate a maximum of 250.
On welcoming the request of the Bishop of Rio Branco, His Exc. Mgr. Joaquin Pertiñez, who stressed that "the need of pastoral care to those immigrants who arrive every week is an undeniable urgency", the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo-Scalabrinians, have recently opened their new mission in this context (see Fides 06/06/2015).
According to information sent to Agenzia Fides, their goal is to be a pastoral presence through significant evangelical hospitality, in order to make migrants feel loved and comforted in their path, both at the arrival, and during the period when they take shelter in the city of Rio Bianco, with particular attention to women, children, the most vulnerable immigrants. The work of the Scalabrinians is based on strengthening the team and on the consolidation of the Pastoral Care of Human Mobility in the Diocese of Rio Branco in the border area. "Chácara da Aliança" collaborates in the homeless shelter, while the socio-pastoral initiatives are increasing, in order to promote services to ensure the integration of immigrants in the Country (such as Portuguese classes, information on the Brazilian reality, the rights and duties, etc.). There are proposals to support the faith of migrants, with religious and inter-religious activities that also promote harmonious coexistence and cultural integration. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 16/06/2015)
