General Bruguez is a town located in the Paraguayan Chaco, about 200 kilometres from the capital, Asunción. For the past seven years, the Margarita Naseau Missionary Community has been providing spiritual guidance to this population of 600, as well as to 14 other communities.
The region suffers the consequences of institutional neglect: dirt roads, lack of drinking water, inadequate healthcare, poor-quality education, widespread child and youth abandonment, scarce and often precarious employment opportunities, complex climatic and environmental conditions, and a lack of priests and limited religious training.
But General Bruguez is not simply a collection of difficulties. Its people are characterised by their generosity, their welcoming nature, their sensitivity to hardship, and a simple yet profound faith. They can start over again and again, without giving in to complaint, always placing their trust in God.
Last April, the entire area was hit by severe flooding, leaving many families homeless, without crops or livestock. After weeks of relentless rain, the river that runs alongside General Bruguez burst its banks, forcing approximately 50 residents to flee their homes.
The local population and the Sisters opened their doors to shelter entire families. People were rescued in canoes or small boats made by the villagers. The Sisters visited all the families stranded by the floodwaters to show their support and learn firsthand about their needs. They had no resources, only the desire to offer a glimmer of hope. Their message was simple: you are not alone.
They helped some neighbours salvage their crops by quickly gathering what had been grown. They also travelled with a medical team to visit an indigenous community and another nearby village, bringing food to those in dire straits.
They also provided support when aid from the National Emergency Service arrived four days later. Together with many community members, they prepared and distributed 500 food aid kits in various areas.
And once again, they will do it again. We will do it again. Because life always triumphs. Because Easter will continue. Because God has never abandoned any of his most vulnerable children.
