On Sunday 9th June 2024, the Assembly were invited to the chapel of Santa Rosa de Lima, in one of the pastoral zones of the Columban parish of Holy Archangels, Huandoy, on the northern peripheries of Lima. The journey there reflected the challenging tinder-dry environment in that the bus bringing the delegates got lost multiple times on narrow, often-blocked and potholed roads. The congregation waited patiently and delegates were warmly clapped and hugged on their arrival.

 

The celebrants for the Mass were Ioane Gukibau (Country leader, Peru), Aminiasi Ravuwai and Palanapa Tavo. The hymns were animated by the 'Agrupacion Memorias' group of Fr Gabriel Rojas and you will see an example of their extraordinary talent in the Communion Song video attached.

 

After Mass,  Society Leader Andrei Paz, in both Spanish and English,  thanked the community for opening their hands and hearts to us, and indeed to all the Columbans who have ministered in Peru since 1952. After a simple Peruvian lunch shared with all, the Assembly returned to base in Barranco, a 'world' away from the poverty and squalor of Huandoy, but in which the irrepressiblity of the people's spirit will remain long in our memories.