Months of heavy rain, further agitated by the El Niño climate phenomenon, have led to extreme flooding and droughts which have devastated regions throughout Bolivia. Missionary Oblates, who have been ministering in Bolivia for more than 50 years, report that many homes have been heavily flooded and that the highlands are experiencing droughts.

These overwhelming weather conditions took many lives, demolished homes, destroyed crops, caused countless injuries, and left thousands in desperation. The most vulnerable communities have lost their livelihoods and income. Water supply and sanitation have been compromised, triggering the rise of various dangerous diseases. Because of the magnitude of the disaster, the Bolivian government declared a National Emergency and has requested support from the international community.

Father Roberto Lacasse, O.M.I., who has been ministering in Bolivia since 1961, reports that much aid has come from the U.S. and other sympathizing countries, but the people are still in great need of prayers and financial support. He says, “It will take time to rebuild the many homes that were lost and to feed and clothe the thousands of afflicted families. Right now, the country is trying to control and prevent malaria outbreaks.”

The Missionary Oblates first came to Bolivia in 1952 after a direct request from Pope Pius XII. Their first ministry was with the impoverished and neglected people working in the tin mines in an area called Siglo XX. “We’ve been in contact since then, with the poor, their social activities, fighting for their rights to live in better conditions,” says Fr. Roberto. Oblate missions have since expanded throughout Bolivia, and today their ministries include radio stations focused on educating and promoting the rights of the poor, pastoral ministry, prison ministry, and outreach programs for children and families.

Today, there are 40 Missionary Oblates who are dedicating their lives to the people of Bolivia. They have made tremendous progress in the past 50 years. The recent and tragic conditions have made their ministry even more challenging. Yet, Fr. Roberto remains optimistic, “Sixty-five percent of the children in my parish are underfed. Our soup kitchen started last year with 15 children and by the end of the school year, there were 42! Now, with the new school year coming, we might have more.”

Overwhelming poverty coupled with the recent devastation has greatly distressed the Bolivian people. Thankfully, the Oblates have a great deal of help from their communities. “Our Center of Missionary Formation has been operating for three years… our aim is to train lay people to accompany our smaller communities,” Fr. Roberto explains.

Even with the help of their lay people, this is a trying time. Through natural disasters, political disruption, and seemingly insurmountable difficulties, the ministries of Missionary Oblates in Bolivia and throughout the world continue to persevere. They have been called to serve the “poorest of the poor.” Placing their lives in God’s hands, they have dedicated their lives to do God’s will.

The Oblates continue to foster religious vocations with great hopes that these young men will follow in their footsteps as dedicated servants of God. With hope in their hearts for new missionaries, the Oblates and the people they serve in Bolivia look towards the future, knowing that God’s love will help them overcome.