AMERICA/PERU – Over 600 participants at the First National Congress of the Union of the Sick and Elderly Missionaries

Abancay – Over 600 participants from various ecclesiastical jurisdictions in Peru gathered in the Diocese of Abancay for the first “National Congress of the Union of Sick and Elderly Missionaries,” whose theme, “Transforming Suffering into Love and Hope,” was chosen in harmony with the key words of the Jubilee Year.
The three-day event, which opened with a colorful procession of delegations through the city’s main streets, was hosted by the “Roberto Ghidini” Parish Cultural Center. Formation, witness, and mission were the focus of the first part of the Conference, which began with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Richard Daniel Alarcón Urrutia, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cusco, and Gilberto Gómez González, Bishop of Abancay. The opening address was then given by Fr. José Hipólito Purizaca, Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Peru, who presented the work of the Pontifical Societies and encouraged the participants to strengthen the missionary spirit in every parish.
Sister María Cristina Lázaro Flores, National Coordinator of the Union of Sick and Elderly Missionaries , immediately afterwards shared her personal testimony and emphasized the value of the sick person’s contribution to mission. Hugo Esquivel, cardiologist at the National Institute of Cardiology , and Dr. Lucía Bobbio Fujoshima, Head of the Dermatology Department at the 2 de Mayo Hospital, then led the conference “The Treasure of Illness,” exploring how suffering, when embraced by Christ, can offer redemption and hope.
Traditional dances, as an expression of the richness and diversity of Peruvian communities, concluded the first part of the Congress, which continued with presentations on the theme “Pastoral Care That Transforms Suffering into Mission.” Brother Giancarlo Chirinos Barrera, National Secretary of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith in Peru, spoke about the pastoral care of the Union of the Sick and Elderly Missionaries and emphasized the difference between the pastoral care of the sick and the pastoral care of the UEAM, saying: “Pastoral care for the sick accompanies those who suffer; the UEAM transforms this suffering into mission. Together they make the love of Christ present.” Dr. Martín Tantaléán Del Águila, Director of the Center for Vocational and Social Rehabilitation and President of the “VIDA Y FAMILIA” Association, discussed the topic of caring for the terminally ill, emphasizing the protection of life and human dignity under all circumstances. Meanwhile, Camillian Father Enrique González, National Coordinator of Pastoral Care for the Sick, addressed the missionary dimension of pastoral care for the sick in parishes.
The final day began with the Missionary Rosary and continued with a talk by Father Oscar Murillo, Diocesan Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies of the Diocese of Trujillo, who explained the value of prayer and missionary sacrifice for the sick and elderly missionaries. A talk followed by a presentation from Sister Claudia Patricia Llanos Cotrino, National Secretary of the Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith in Colombia. At the end of the Congress, it was affirmed that the sick and elderly participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church, and that their prayers, sufferings, and testimonies are a spiritual treasure for the communities.

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