Missionary Sisters of I C. org

 Amandus Bahlmann

The following is a story about our Founder Bishop Bahlmann that appeared in the Magazine", The Franciscan:" a yearly report about the Franciscan Missions (both men and women Franciscans).  By Fr. Benedict Peters, OFM 1938

ln Brazil, two provinces were waiting for the return of the Friars to lead them in the renewal of their religious commitment and spiritual life. (Religion and missionary work had been suppressed by the Government but now conditions had become more favorable again.)  The young Fr. Amando was the leader of the first small group of Friars who in the Spring of 1891,traveled toward Brazil, the land of the Holy Cross. In their minds and hearts they carried one goal – the renewal and rebuilding of the Church in Brazil.

Their first attention was given to the neglected and abandoned German Colonists in the South of Brazil.  Soon more Friars followed him into this area, Fr. Amando Bahlmann left Bahia in {892 and went to the northern part of the country to work for the rebuilding of the Church

Along the coastline of the Northern part of Brazil, one could find countless old Franciscan Monasteries in which once upon a time spiritual life grew and blossomed. The steady influx of Franciscan Missionaries from the Province of Saxony Germany filled these old monasteries again with new life..  Fr. Bahlmann remained the soul of the rebuilding and renewal of the Church in Brazil, this trying and stressful work was one of the most taxing demands on Fr.Amando and his Brothers. In order to revitalize and continue the so-long-ago accomplished he gave of himself selflessly in with great diligence, courage and strength and with an unbending will power and deep faith in at all times. Mainly Fr. Amando and his Brothers worked as Peoples Missionary priests (Volksmssionare).  His experience among the neglected, ignorant people was very different from his experience in his homeland, Germany.  It demanded a totally different approach.   Fr. Bahlmann planned the way and introduced his Brothers into their new life and work.   (Fr. Bahlmann is often called the Trailblazer of renewal in Brazil and Latin America). The Peoples’ Mission (usually hundreds and thousands participate) became the main reason for the success of the religious renewal in Brazil.


read more (click here)