A visit with Bishop Johannes, ofm

Today we took a 3 hour trip (one-way) to Obidos along the Amazon river to visit with Bishop Bernardo Johannes Bahlmann, OFM. At Santarem pier, our adventures began...

The Amazon is the largest green and fresh water reserve in the world! One of its rivers, the Negro River, has an average depth of 230 feet-- enought to submerge a 20-story building! Here is one of the dwellings of the people living along the Amazon river.

Welcome to Obidos!

Around 250 years old, Obidos was a former Portuguese fort. The area is 182,000 square kilometers- 1/2 the size of Germany! There are 253,000 people living here. In 1950, it had its first Bishop. Bishop Johannes, is the present bishop. He is the first German Franciscan to become bishop.

Meet another of the friars! And the wonderful women who prepared our lunch meal (and afternoon snacks before departure)! Fish lasagna or meat lasagna anyone?... :) Coke or a cool guarana cola?

The Bishop's residence and friary. In their small chapel, they have bricks supporting the cross in front of the area map of Obidos. Bishop Johannes said he has 20 priests from 8 different countries! that he is working with. Truly, a work of the church--"built brick by brick...living stone."

Bye bye Obidos! Tchau!