A legacy of faith and God’s light in the forest
BELÉM DO SOLIMÕES, Amazon Brazil – In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the history of Belém do Solimões and the Capuchin presence in the region is a living testimony to the commitment of our friars. Founded in 1870, the mission of Belém do Solimões, which is also home to the parish of St. Francis of Assisi, has become a pillar of the indigenous community.
The history of the mission dates back to the arrival of Italian Friars Minor (Observant) in 1870. Led by Br. Angelo Fratteggiani OFM, they founded the first community, marking the beginning of the Seraphic charism in the region. Their support was crucial not only for the development of the local infrastructure, but also for the consolidation of the pastoral work.
The missionary activity of the Capuchin friars dates back to 1909 in the Amazon region, but in Belém do Solimões it began during the first journey of Fr. Domingos de Gualdo Tadino. Leaving Manaus on March 2, 1911, aboard the steamship Andress, the friar traveled up the Solimões River and arrived at his destination on March 7 of the same year. He was welcomed by the Mafra family, who at the time dominated the region socioeconomically and facilitated his integration into the community for the purpose of evangelization.
Over the years, key figures such as Brother Fedele da Alviano and Brother Arsenio Sampalmieri shaped the mission. Br. Fedele promoted the construction of a new mission complex in 1936, while the arrival of Br. Arsenio in 1969 marked a turning point. For about 25 years, Br. Arsenio dedicated himself to the community, embodying the spirit of the Good Shepherd who, in the words of the Gospel, “calls his sheep by name and lays down his life for them.” His work, facilitated by a benefactor’s donation of land, helped reunite scattered families in the area.
After his departure in 1992, the parish went through a long period of pastoral instability. It was not until 2006 that a permanent Capuchin presence was reestablished, with a fraternity dedicated to missionary work, led by guardian and parish priest Br. Paolo Maria Braghini, together with Br. Gino Alberati and Br. Paulo Silva, reaffirming the friars’ commitment to the community.
In 2024, to commemorate 115 years of Capuchin presence in the region, a large pastoral mission was implemented with the slogan “And we remain” symbolizing permanence and engagement with the people of Belém do Solimões. This initiative strengthened the Franciscan presence through home visits, spiritual assistance and evangelization.
The mission has grown with hope, bringing different presences of Capuchin friars to other Amazonian regions on the borders of Colombia, Brazil and Peru, living with indigenous peoples of different ethnic groups such as the Ticuna, the Kokoma, the Kambebe and the Kanamari.
Currently, despite geographical difficulties, the mission continues to adapt by making use of new technologies to support pastoral service. Most remarkably, the local community has ceased to be a mere “recipient” of the mission to become an active “subject” of its own story, thus realizing the missionary ideal of a Church truly embodied in the culture of the region. Our fraternities and work are a beautiful example of how the charism continues to be a missionary witness, promoting lasting spiritual and social life in the heart of the Amazon.