In the Diocese of Latacunga on Saturday the 12th we have celebrated the Day of the Indigenous. This day together with other events: the celebration of the National Assembly for Indigenous Pastoral, the monthly meetings of the Api in the diocese allow us to become more aware of the Mission with these brothers.
In Saquisilí there are a large number of indigenous brothers, also called native peoples, there are about forty communities that belong to the canton of Saquisilí. There are many values that they transmit to us and that make us look at life, at what is essential and what is really important. Day by day we want to strive as pastoral agents to reach this world and listen to the voice of the Spirit in its customs and ways of life.
The 12th was a day of thanksgiving, where we began with a Eucharist celebrated by Monsignor Giovanni Paz, bishop of the diocese of Latacunga, thanksgiving for the lives of so many pastoral agents of Latacunga who live at the service of the indigenous world. Thank you for the desire to reach out to them through training, looking at their roots and truly valuing them. Letting ourselves be illuminated in everything from the Word, like Mary with attentive and delicate service to others. “Looking at authority is always to serve, seeking the common good for all, having the human person as a fundamental principle, above any personal, economic, or political interest…” Monsignor Giovani told us in his homily. Later there was a conversation on Radio Latacunga about the way of life of these people.
In these lines we want to highlight the great values of the indigenous people: the value of the community, of solidarity, respect for the “Pachamama” because God is the creator of life who trusts in each one of us to take care of the common home , the house of all, the land.
The indigenous people walk day by day in comprehensive awareness, where all natural resources are protected and defended, especially in the territories of these peoples. The use of mining, water, and monocultures are issues that strongly affect these territories. We cannot lose sight of the fact that we must grow in Communion with the Beloved Amazon because Ecuador is “just one Ecuador” and looking at Mother Earth reminds us of this.
When writing this review we do not want to forget the thoughts of Monsignor Leonidas Proaño, a great defender of these peoples, "the indigenous world has a deep spirituality, men who encounter God continually, and discover him in nature and in everyday life, that is why we want to continue leading our indigenous brothers to encounter Christ, from the basis of the word of God that illuminates, corrects and rebukes as Paul said. Only when we encounter Jesus Christ will we be able to transform today's world.
It was also a day to celebrate the Easter of Monsignor José Mario Ruiz Navas, and give thanks for all the efforts he dedicated to the indigenous world, developing social and training programs when he was bishop of the diocese of Latacunga (1969-1989). He was the one who initiated the presence of the Daughters of Christ the King in Ecuador in 1999 as bishop of Portoviejo.
