A journey of a life: Francesc Comelles in Brazil
Francesc Comelles, a secular missionary of Catalonia, has spent more than twenty years of his life working in Brazil, where he has integrated into the struggles and needs of the indigenous peoples. His relationship with the Conselho Indigenista Missionário (CIMI) has been instrumental in his commitment to sustainable development in Amazon.
The reality of indigenous peoples: hunger and struggle
Comelles describes the diversity of the indigenous peoples of the region, from which they have lived isolated to those who have been in contact with civilization for centuries. Its current situation is critical, hungry that it threatens its survival, a sign of the collapse of an ecosystem that has always been his home.
An alternative life model
Comelles emphasizes that, despite their vulnerability, these peoples offer a vision of life that contrasts with the western extractive model. Its resistance to cultural colonization and its relationship with nature are examples of a lifestyle that deserves to be heard and respected.
The intervention of the Church: A transformative role?
Historically, the Church has been perceived as a colonization agent, but figures like Pere Casaldáliga have worked to build bridges with the indigenous communities, fostering a more accompaniment than imposition. Comelles reflects on his role as an activist and missionary, arguing that his task is not to save, but to listen and support.
Contemporary conflicts: a complex reality
The indigenous communities of the Javarí valley face a constant invasion of their territories. The pressure exerted by fishermen, miners and hunters, added to a government that often ignores its rights, creates an atmosphere of tension and conflict. Indigenous voices are crucial for the defense of their rights and their land.
Political change and their implications
With the arrival of Lula to the Government, new opportunities have been opened, but the right in Congress continues to try to undermine indigenous rights. Comelles emphasizes the importance of the mobilization of indigenous peoples to defend their lands and cultures in a context of exploitation and vulnerability.
The COP30: a scenario of contradictions
The United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Amazon generates expectations but also distrust. Comelles is skeptical of the capacity of the coup to provide real solutions to the environmental crisis, although he recognizes the importance of the indigenous voice in these spaces.
An uncertain future: safeguarding indigenous cultures
The growth of the indigenous population is a signal of hope, but cultures and languages face constant challenges. Comelles emphasizes the importance of recovering the sense of community and collective, essential for the survival and identity of the indigenous peoples.
Collective vision as a engine of change
The force of indigenous communities lies in their ability to share and care for their environment. Comelles reflects on how these dynamics could inspire a change of mentality in western society, essential to the environmental crisis that affects us all.