News and Events

Vallenar (Chile), 03/05/2026, Rosa María Burgoa G., Missionary of the Presentation.- The Parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Rinconada de Silva, part of the Diocese of San Felipe in Chile (Putaendo commune), opened its doors to the Presentation Missionaries – laypeople and sisters – from January 21 to 27. Throughout the year, we had been preparing in our local communities for this experience.

The Las Coimas area was unknown to us, just a name with some provided information, but we went with great excitement: after several years, to experience again the immense richness of walking along paths and streets, knocking on doors, introducing ourselves as missionaries of the Catholic Church, observing those faces and listening to those voices, always with love and joy, knowing we go in the name of the One who calls us… JESUS OF NAZARETH.

It was seven intense days, sharing dreams and hopes with simple people who not only open the doors of their homes but also their hearts, sharing their lives, dreams, and expectations. To leave our own lives for a few days, to go into the lives of others, is our way of saying, “Yes Lord, here we are to serve You in our brothers and sisters.”

To show the world that it is worthwhile, and a joy, to set out to bring and receive GOOD NEWS amidst so much selfishness and violence around us, and we do so moved by the love of our Father-Mother God, of Jesus of Nazareth, our elder brother, and the Holy Spirit. We go forth like Mary of the Presentation, with the absolute certainty that nothing belongs to us and therefore we must give our lives in service, as she did.

It was a beautiful experience, like all those we have lived in previous years, but marked by the signs of our times. Today, after the pandemic, amidst wars and abuses of power, even within our Church, these events, far from frightening us or diminishing our faith and commitment, push us forward to continue and to proclaim with all the newen (strength) of the LOVE we receive from the One who keeps calling us.

Presentation Missionaries, Ready for the Mission!