Finding God In a New Mission

What a large acre of land to cross and huge differences within the same country. From rivers and creeks in the North West to savannah and mountains in the Pakaraimas. From paddling in  Moruca and the Waini to Trekking in the Pakaraimas.

Kurukubaru or Kabukaburi! For most ordinary people they sound alike or they are the same. Life, for the people living in both places is about survival and not about too much of how to pronounce difficult words, so said our friend. Where have you been?  It sounds alike and as far as  I am concerned they are the same.

For those who are not familiar with the interior of Guyana, Kabukabari is located in Region Two. Kurukubaru is found in Region Eight. This is the highest part of Guyana. Our mission house is located on top of this hill. What a view to behold and an envious place to be. The natural environment is in its pristine stage, still unspoiled.

Besides these endowed resources, the Interior of Guyana is home to a large percentage of our Catholic population. His Lordship Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB made his first apostolic visit to this area a few weeks ago. This visit reassured the people of the Pakaraimas that they are unique and have a special role to play in  the building of God´s kingdom.

As part of the training of Jesuits each member spends a period of time known as Regency. During this time each Jesuit is involved in an apostolic work that is associated with the Society of Jesus. For this year, Medino and Marlon have been assigned to work along with Father Paul, in the Pakaraimas. There are fourteen villages to be covered all with different needs yet one vision in hearts and minds.

Emphasis is given to the children in the form of teaching basic literacy, catechism, and prayers for those between the ages of 6-11 years. In general we lend support, and encourage the Church team to remain faithful to their commitment as leaders in the respective villages.

One of the many tasks assigned to us is to visit all the villages on our own. While we are in the villages the youths are encouraged to organize themselves into groups. These are some of the general objectives of the groups:  (a) To develop a stronger bond of friendship among the youths from different villages. (b) To expose the youths to the role they can play and to deepen the commitment of those already involved- in the leadership of their local communities with a view to their becoming  future Parish Lay Assistants and catechists ( c) To share in the common vision of the local church and to participate in the building up of the universal church  (d) To establish contact with other groups in Georgetown and the wider world for example Latin America and the Caribbean.

Letter from the Pakaraimas.. by Medino Abraham and Marlon Innis- two Jesuits in Training. Friday 8^th of October, 2004. The Catholic Standard.