Holy Week in indigenous communities

Quito, miércoles 4 abril 2018
Students in the community of Tingo
Students in the community of Tingo

 

Thirty nine students from different undergraduate programs in the university's branch campus in Quito took part in the project "Easter Missions" which allows students to live an enriching experience of human and Christian growth.

The students helped with several activities in the community, such as harvesting potatoes, grazing and milking cows. They also visited the following kichwa communities and spoke about the real meaning of holy week: Cascarilla, Mindina, Salaleo, Cutahua, Llullimullo, Laihua, Santo Domingo, San Francisco, Talahua, Tingo, Cocha Colorada, Tahuato, Quialó and Gerrana.

They were also able to talk to several families about their social, economic, organizational and spiritual situation. 

"Being part of this mission allowed me to appreciate many things. I was able to see up close how these people live and their needs. They taught me the value of being humble and the importance of family. They shared everything they had with me, the children were very happy and humble", said Sebastian De La Torre, electronic engineering student. 

Fernanda Tello, psychology student, said "these missions have changed the way I see life. It was beautiful to find God in each child when they hugged me or smiled at me. People in the community welcomed me to their home and allowed me to become part of their lives".

The university pastoral department organizes this type of activities during holy week and Christmas, if you want to join these missions contact Fransisco Mejia at cmejia@ups.edu.ec or Father Jaime Chela at jchela@ups.edu.ec