This past week in Bolivia, a special Mother’s Day church service was held in the center of Cochabamba to honor the many substitute mamás and tías, who dedicate their lives to caring for children in dozens of orphanages and institutions throughout the city and rural Cochabamba. Each day, hundreds of children in Cochabamba go hungry or live on the streets without shelter, and this service began with a prayer and symbolic act of forgiveness for society’s indifference to the pleas of these children in great poverty. As a vivid representation of this indifference, mamás and tías walked to the front of the nave blindfolded, wearing ear coverings, or with hands tied, and joined the congregation in prayer for healing in our hearts, that we may hear the cries of a child in need and respond with love. Archbishop Tito Solari then removed the blindfolds and ties to symbolize a renewal of sight and sound to God’s calling to us.
From the Villa, Mamá Jheanny, Mamá Teodora, and Mamá Josefina represented Amistad and participated in the Offertory, bearing flowers and a stuffed heart. Gregorio, 3, walked alongside Josefina and was greeted by a warm embrace and smile from the Archbishop kneeling before him. Then, each of the mamás and tías were called forth by name and presented with a medal for their sacrificial love and service to the children in their care. The honored nuns, rural Quechua woman, and urban mamás highlighted a wide cross section of Bolivian culture, all committed to the same purpose of giving vulnerable children a chance to know love.
Following the service, the congregation gathered in Plaza Colón to parade through the Prado with colorful balloons and a youthful marching band. Gathering in the Plaza de las Banderas, Douglas, the Villa’s youth pastoral teacher, commended these wonderful women for their service and explained that each balloon represented the life of a child without a loving mother. Following words of gratitude and prayer, each one of the many people assembled released their balloon to the sky, giving that child’s life into the hands of the Lord. This touching image was embraced by all, who stood in reflection as the balloons drifted upward.
The loving and compassionate mamás and tías at Amistad, and those throughout Cochabamba, bring hope for Bolivia’s future generations. The ministry of Amistad would not be possible without their tireless service, and we hope that you will join us in prayer and thanksgiving for all that they give. If you would like to leave a personal message of appreciation to be shared with the mamas and tías at Amistad, please email cking@amistadmission.org. A kind word makes a difference. Thank you!
