Carnaval and Ash Wednesday

This week was a special week for Bolivia. A mix of indigenous Andean and Catholic traditions make the days leading up to Ash Wednesday -- know here are Carnavales -- a time of giving thanks to God and God's many manifestations. In and around Carmen Pampa, people decorate their houses with streamers and confetti, set off fire crackers and sprinkle alcohol in thanks to the Virgin (conceived as Pachamama, the Mother Earth), the saints (manifest in spirit guides called Achachilas) and God on High, known in Inti, the sun.

Sister Helena invited us to Cochuna where the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception run a boarding house for rural students. With the help of the boarders, Sister Helena runs a farm that feeds the students and generates income to pay for other housing costs. The Bishop of Coroico, Monseignor Juan Vargas, blessed the school and the farm.


Photo: Bishop Vargas sprinkles holy water on the farm's new tractor as Father Freddy looks on.

Later, with the help of the students, we blessed the College's dormitories and classrooms.

Wednesday Father Freddy lead the Ash Wednesday mass on Campus Leahy, and later Father Eulogio on Campus Manning. Both reminded the students that Lent is a time of reflection on forgiveness. There is a saying around here: Pueblo chico, infierno grande ("Small town, big hell"). "We need to live together as brothers and sisters, with peace and understanding," Father Freddy reminded us. "It is not easy: we come from all different places, with distinct viewpoints and customs. But there is no other option. If you do not learn this now, you will have difficulties your whole life long."


Photo: Father Freddy places ashes on the forehead of agronomy student Janet Ramírez.


Photo: Father Eulogio places ashes on a high school student.