In 2009, the diocese entrusted us with a parish on the fringes of the city of Cochabamba. The current pastor and superior has been there from the foundation. Almost all the missionaries who served there were from the Province of Chile, for it had been entrusted with the care of this mission. The community needs at least one more missionary. The parish was in an unfortunate state. Constant and dedicated work has transformed the face of this mission. It has two distinct areas. One is rural highlands with populations at the same level as the Moco-Moco and Italaque Missions. The priests visit and evangelize 22 communities. In many of these, a small Christian community is just beginning to be established. The work is arduous. The population of 5000 to 6000 people is of the Quechua ethnic group. Many already understand Spanish, but it is still necessary to know and speak Quechua in order to nourish the faith of the people. The other is a “marginal city.” These are settlements or colonies of workers, who moved to the area because they were provided land or housing by the company for which they work or by the government. There are seven chapels and more are needed to care for the 8000 to 8500 inhabitants who speak Quechua and Castilian. Some existing associations are being promoted, and some of the Vincentian Family. It is typical pastoral ministry in a missionary parish. The priests think that it can be turned over to the bishop for some diocesan priest, but the bishop believes that what has been achieved would be lost with the danger of the parish becoming a sacramental market. The people are very poor and in great need of religious formation, but it is unknown where the intense population growth will lead. It could be used as a vocation center and host the priests of the other two missions in Bolivia.
