Promoting intercultural dialogue in the light of the Gospel in the Ecuadorian Amazon

The Apostolic Vicariate of Aguarico (Ecuador), in collaboration with the Focolare Movement, promotes spaces of intercultural dialogue in the light of the Gospel based on fraternity and reciprocity, of encounter and mutual formation through the project ‘For a fraternal and committed interculturality in the harmonious and integral development of the peoples of America and the Caribbean’.

Aguarico is located in the Amazonian region of Ecuador, so this initiative seeks to ‘value and protect the rich indigenous, Afro-American and mestizo cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean’ because they have a priceless treasure thanks to their ‘deep connection with the land and community life’.

Along these lines, on 3 May 2025, the intercultural forum ‘Fraternity and care for all beings of Mother Earth’ was held at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ibarra in Ecuador. The educational workshop was attended by indigenous, Afro-descendant and mestizo people from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Congress was proposed by the organisers ‘as a path, a vital pilgrimage’, which is why it began with the transfer of the participants to the Quechua community of Gualapuro with the aim of ‘creating intercultural spaces that build bridges between representatives of different peoples, nationalities or cultural groups, where the fundamental element is to meet the other, to welcome and care for each other as brothers and sisters’.

Another stage of this journey was the visit to the House of Mons. Leonidas Proaño (1910-1988), known as ‘the Apostle of the Indians’, who is a great example of interculturalism because of his dedication to the poorest and most exploited indigenous people. In this atmosphere, groups were held on various topics, including economics, ecology, education, spirituality, culture and racism.

In another moment, some rites of Afro-Caribbean and Central American descendants and the Mayan rite were shared in an atmosphere of respect, centred on respect for nature and the transcendent. 

The meeting concluded with a Eucharist presided by the Bishop of the Vicariate of Aguarico, Mons. Adalberto Jiménez, who actively participated in the initiative. The Mass, in a church decorated with flowers and rose petals, was enlivened with typical songs, dances, drums and the recitation of the Lord's Prayer in 12 languages.

A young Shuar from the Ecuadorian Amazon, Esperanza Chiriap, said: “for me it is like a dream to come here and see so many nationalities. I take away in my heart the feeling that we are all equal, we are all part of the culture and I believe that we are one”.

For her part, Lina Velásquez, a Guatemalan Focolarina of Mayan-Cachiquel origin, said: "I really take with me the desire to build a united world through deep relationships and reciprocal learning. I also understand that we have to learn to respect our diversity, as we are very different, but we are all very valuable".

In addition, a young Quichua from the Ecuadorian Amazon, Leonel Licuy, shared: ‘I am moved because I have seen various cultures from different countries, and it has given me a lot of joy’ and added: ‘that this journey does not end here, but that we continue to share with other cultures, with other people, also of different nationalities’.

Finally, the Rector of the Educational Community of Gualapuro, Ecuador, Manuel Lema, emphasised: ‘it is up to us to continue working to continue creating spaces of encounter where I can go and share with you and you can come and share with me because we are all brothers and sisters’. 

In the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation ‘Querida Amazonia', Pope Francis encouraged the development of activities to promote human dignity, social justice and environmental sustainability, recognising and valuing indigenous and Afro-descendant cultures.

In these pastoral areas, the Focolare Movement - present in several provinces of Ecuador and in other countries of the Amazon region - has for years been carrying out valuable work at the service of the local Church and communities.

Since 2017, the Rimarishun network has been formed, which in Quechua means "let's talk" and has involved people from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. This network works ‘for the recovery of cultural roots, the promotion of the values of the different cosmovisions and ancestral wisdoms in intercultural education, art, music, dance and spirituality’.

In addition, since September 2022 a community of consecrated members has been established in the Apostolic Vicariate of Aguarico that is dedicated to the pastoral ministry, dialogue, recognition and the integral human development of indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples through:

- Indigenous pastoral ministry, which promotes intercultural dialogue and the appreciation of indigenous cultures through educational and awareness-raising programmes.

- Sustainable Development Projects, which seek to improve the living conditions of indigenous communities through the promotion of practices that are sustainable and respectful of the environment.

- Training and Education, which implements training programmes for young people and adults from indigenous communities, with the aim of preserving and transmitting cultural and linguistic traditions.