Missionary Sisters of I C. org

Amandus Bahlmann   continued                                      Page 2

 Fr. Bahlmann’s commitment, deep faith, energy and will to accomplish God’s work could not be contained only within the borders of Brazil. In the years 19O5-19O7 he was called to Argentina and to the Bolivian Franciscan Missions, to carry out the Visitation and bring about renewal. In both countries he accomplished much to revitalize religious life. On his return to Brazil he received the news that he had been called to be the Prelate of Santarem.

On August 3, 19O9 he arrived at his new mission field, an enormous, impossible to comprehend, immense territory along the mighty Amazon and Tapajos River. Here, he was to minister as a new shepherd, A large part of this territory was occupied by non-christian Indians.

Here, Fr. Bahlmann’s faith in God and his enthusiasm to reach out to God's people were severely challenged by the hot burning equator sun, too few priests to help him and no means to support him. Where was he to begin? ? A man of prayer, he found his answer.

Dom Amando undertook many trips to inspire priests to help him to take care of his neglected flock and obtain necessary means for his new mission.   He crossed the Ocean to go to Germany and America to beg for help for his people who lived in a territory larger than his homeland, Germany.  On these trips, he only traveled 3rd class, not because of money alone but here he could minister to the poor and most needy.