This item and the accompanying pictures appeared on the Facebook page for REPAM, the Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network:
On March 15, in the Diocese of Alto Solimões, in the matrix Church of São Francisco de Assisi de Belém do Solimões, during the celebration of the Eucharist, the acolyte Antelmo Pereira Angelo, was ordained deacon, by the imposition of the hands by Dom Adolfo Zon Pereira, bishop of the diocese.
Antelmo becomes the first indigenous person of the Tikuna to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, as a Permanent Deacon. Congrats to the new deacons and the diocese for the beautiful testimony of a church with the Amazon face.
Another report indicates Antelmo is married, with nine children, and has been active in his local church for many years. The ordination ritual incorporated many Indian symbols and customs.
Congratulations and welcome, brother! Ad multos annos!
