As Associates of Cajamarca, Peru, we were delighted to welcome our spiritual counsellor, Sister Pascaline, from 8 to 10 November, along with Lupe, an Associate from Lima, and Blanca, an Associate from Huaura.
We spent some time reflecting, sharing and renewing our commitment through the texts in our Book of Life. Sister Pascaline invited us to resume our monthly meetings, which are a time of exchange, prayer and spiritual renewal, of contact with the other Associates and of sharing what we are experiencing, because our mission is to give and receive what strengthens us and makes us part of the same Family.
His presence was very enriching, as it enabled us to take part, virtually, in the second conference on ‘Laudato Si’ organised by the ECA (the Chile/Peru Associates Coordination and Accompaniment Team). It was a wonderful moment to see the faces of the partners from Chile and Peru, as we are unable to take part in the meetings at national level due to distance, age, health problems, and so on. Thanks to the speakers, Micaela Guillen and Jorge Páez, who introduced us to the socio-environmental crisis in Peru and Chile, we became aware of the importance of protecting and maintaining our common home. We have the onerous task of defending life and nature. In Cajamarca, river and air pollution is considered to be the most serious environmental problem caused by mining companies: certain mining environmental liabilities have been identified in the region, endangering the lives and health of people and the environment and potentially causing conflict with local communities.
We had a wonderful time sharing, learning and supporting each other. We are very grateful for this visit, which strengthens us and gives us the courage to be reborn in trust and hope.
Blanca Palominos, associate from Cajamarca. Published on 19 November 2024
