By Fr. Beatus Volkmar Tola
Indonesian missionary in Brazil

       World, 20 May 2021 -- The recently ordained young Salesian missionary priest from Indonesia (Flores island) Fr Beatus Volkmar Tola, was assigned after ordination as assistant parish priest in the missionary community of Sao Marcos (Campo Grande province, BCG - Brazil). This missionary community of 7 Salesians is entrusted with the frontier mission for the two tribes of Bororos and Xavante in large territory of Mato Grosso region.

       Fr Marcos (parish priest) shares: "As Salesians in an inland parish who live with the Indian tribe Xavante, we do not practice the traditional Church custom of accepting offerings during the Mass. On the other hand, we try to ask for help from people from the cities who are kind enough to give donations in the form of blankets, sandals, clothes, food, hoes, sickles, machetes, candies, and so on during big celebrations such as Easter, Children's Day, Christmas, etc.

​​​​​​​       This time, as a parish priest, I ask for your kindness, generosity, and love to be involved in our efforts to bring in and buy 3,000 rosaries. These rosaries will be shared with all of the parishioners who belong to the Indian tribe of Xavante. These people have a great and deep devotion to Our Lady, because they have had wonderful experience with the Blessed Virgin Mary in the past. Every time I visit my parishioners, they always ask me for the rosary.

​​​​​​​       Salesian priests and Salesian brothers who are assigned and serve at this parish, minister to people in 55 villages with the total of 5,000 faithful. If you take part in this campaign, we will be very grateful and blessed because your help is a blessing to us and to these people. As a parish priest, I can only rely on you wonderful and generous people to make this campaign a reality. I believe that Our Lady is with us to achieve this mission. From the heart of the Xavante Indian tribe, my Salesian community I would like to express my deep gratitude and believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit will bless all of you."

​​​​​​​       Fr Beatus adds: "Our intention is that if anybody can donate the rosary, it doesn't matter how long it will take to arrive here because the people here, especially in villages very far from their parish church, very often pray the Rosary together, since the priest can't come very often to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist. We hope that maybe some friends could help us with this small project. You may contact Fr. Beatus: beatus.volkmar@missaosalesiana.com.br) for further details. Thank you so much!"

​​​​​​​       Wishing you a blessed feast of Mary Help of Christians!

​​​​​​​       Related news articles:

• AustraLasia 5314 (II) Give them something to eat - deacon ordained in Brazil
• AustraLasia 4597 (II) When love means listening​​​​​​​

---

---