A atuação das missionárias de Jesus Crucificado como vigárias paroquiais em Nísia Floresta-RN (1963-1989): uma inovação pastoral.

Abstract

This research turns to the second half of the twentieth century, when the Archdiocese of Natal/RN undertook numerous iniciatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of rural families and people from the outskirts of cities. These initiatives have become internationally known as “Movimento de Natal”. Among these initiatives, the experience of the Parish Vicars in Nísia Floresta/RN was impressive. Due to the lack of priests in the Archdiocese, Bishop Eugênio de Araújo Sales gave the administration of the Parish of Nísia Floreta/RN to the Missionaries of Jesus Crucified, granting the Sisters all the rights and duties of parish vicars, except for the administration of the sacraments of Penance and of the Euchatist, proper to the priestly ministry. The experience lasted 25 years, from October1963 to August 1989, and its importance was to favor conditions for rural workers to become protagonists of their life. In a dynamic of decentralization and respect for local culture, they prepared the people to fight for their rights, in line with the social doctrine of the Catholic Church. This experience shows that an evangelization as an inserted pastoral ministry induces evangelizers. Its uniqueness opened space for a reflection on the role of women in the Church, extremely restricted at the time. Hence it drew so much attention to the whole world.