Discovering the Amazonian Church: The Four Dreams of Querida Amazonia
On 22 September 2026, Rev. Fr. Andrew Manickam, Ecclesiastical Assistant for the Creation Justice Ministry of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, delivered a two-hour presentation on Pope Francis’ post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation Querida Amazonia (Beloved Amazonia).
Held at Loyola Hall, Church of St Francis Xavier, Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, the talk was organised by the parish’s Firm Foundation Ministry.
Published in 2020 following the 2019 Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian Region, Querida Amazonia reflects upon a region spanning Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
Fr. Andrew explained that the concerns raised in the document also have relevance beyond the Amazon, including the need to care for the earth, safeguard traditional family values and defend indigenous peoples and the poor.
He explored Pope Francis’ vision through the Four Dreams:
The Social Dream
A call for a just society that protects the poor, excluded and indigenous peoples whose rights and livelihoods may be threatened by powerful economic interests.
The Cultural Dream
The importance of preserving and valuing the artistic, historical and cultural heritage of indigenous communities and protecting their distinctive identities.
The Ecological Dream
A call for integral ecology and greater care for our common home. Fr. Andrew spoke about the importance of water, the effects of deforestation and exploitation of natural resources, respect for indigenous peoples who have cared for their lands for generations, and the relationship between the wellbeing of creation, families and communities.
The Ecclesial Dream
A vision of a missionary Church attentive to the particular circumstances of the Amazon. Fr. Andrew spoke about inculturation, incorporating appropriate elements of local culture while preserving the Catholic sacraments and liturgy.
He also touched on discussions surrounding the proposed ordination of married men (viri probati) and female deacons in response to the severe shortage of priests in remote communities, some of which may see a priest only once a year.
Referring to CCC 1577, Fr. Andrew spoke about the reservation of ordination to baptised men while also highlighting the important leadership roles exercised by women within the Church. In the local parish context, he noted the active leadership of women within bodies such as Parish Pastoral Councils (PPC), Parish Coordinating Councils (PCC) and Parish Finance Committees.
The evening invited participants to consider how the Four Dreams of Querida Amazonia speak not only to the realities of the Amazon but also to our own responsibility towards faith, people, culture and creation.
🙏 Let us keep the Amazonian Church and the work of creation justice in our prayers as we seek to care for our common home and its people.
