With the purpose of delving into their common roots, while simultaneously valuing cultural diversity, the border dioceses of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay gathered from May 20 to 22 in Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) to participate in their 36th Meeting.
Representatives from the Border Dioceses of the host country (Ciudad del Este, Canindeyú and Encarnación) attended, from Argentina there were diocesan representatives from Concordia, Corrientes and Formosa, and from Brazil members from Foz do Iguazú and Uruguaiana arrived. Representing Uruguay was the diocese of Salto.
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The host bishop, Bishop Pedro Collar Noguera, welcomed and gave a historical tour since the beginning of these meetings, in the 1990s.
The first presentation was given by Father Pedro Brassesco, deputy general secretary of the Latin American and Caribbean Episcopal Council (CELAM), and focused on “Synodality, the path that God expects of the Church for the third millennium.”
Secondly, the historian and doctor of Law Carlos Galeano presented himself, who spoke about positive aspects and threats of globalization.
The third block, headed by the Brazilian friar Luiz Carlos Susin, focused on the Guaraní culture.
Those present were able to take advantage of spaces for exchange, group work and a panel with testimonies about what they experienced at the Synodal Assembly; as well as moments of prayer, celebration of the Eucharist, cultural interventions and fraternal sharing.
One of the bishops who participated in the meeting was Bishop Luis Collazuol, of Concordia (Argentina), who emphasized the importance of these annual meetings that bring together bishops, priests, religious and lay people “to reflect on issues that affect the ecclesial life of our dioceses, of the northern part of Uruguay, of eastern Argentina, of southern Brazil and part of Paraguay.”
The Prelate highlighted the importance of regional integration that accompanies changes in politics and the economy, and also the globalizing trend of disappearance of borders. “The people have to be united and the Churches, at the service of that unity,” he considered.
The concluding message of the meeting was focused on unity: after having reflected on issues that affect the lives of people, and in the face of the challenge of globalization, they consider that the Church should be a “school of Christian humanism” that promotes family, listening, dialogue, encounter, dignity, Christian values, and welcome.
Beyond the drive towards a uniform global culture, they especially valued spiritual and cultural roots in pursuit of a more human and fraternal future, with a focus on respect for inter- and multicultural issues.
Furthermore, they recalled the importance of a synodal Church where communion, participation and mission prevail.
Finally, they were grateful for the opportunity that this meeting offers to look to the future together and with hope.
Juliet Villar
I am a journalist, with a degree in communication from the National University of La Matanza in Argentina. I have work experience in non-governmental organizations. Since 2016 I have been dedicated to Catholic journalism, first at the Argentine Catholic Information Agency (AICA) and, since 2022, as ACI Prensa correspondent for Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia.