(ANS – Kuyuntsa) – From July 10 to 13, 2025, the community of Kuyuntsa hosted the first-ever gathering of Achuar indigenous youth, a pastoral initiative organized by the local parish. The aim was to strengthen cultural identity, faith, and youth leadership among the native communities of the Manchari River basin.

Twelve years have passed since the death of the Servant of God, Fr. Luis (Luigi) Bolla, a missionary among the Shuar and Achuar peoples. His legacy—an inculturated evangelization rooted in the lives of indigenous peoples—paved the way for the formation of local vocations now moving toward sacred ministries. Fr. Bolla dreamed of a Church with an indigenous face, one that could preach the Gospel without uprooting culture or traditions. Throughout his missionary journey, he sought ways to bring education and faith to the Achuar without erasing their identity.

Today, thanks to his work, there are preschools, elementary schools, and high schools in the regions he served. However, many teachers are outsiders who offer valuable service but eventually leave. Achuar students are often forced into an education system that doesn’t consider their language or worldview. Teaching in Spanish to youth who think and speak in Achuar turns each lesson into a struggle.

Faced with this challenge, the parish of Kuyuntsa established Salesian-style oratories tailored to Achuar culture in communities like Kuyuntsa, Checherta, and Yankuntich. For the first time, it also organized a dedicated Achuar Youth Meeting with young people from these oratories.

The Achuar Youth Meeting in Kuyuntsa

The journey began in the community of Sapap. Thanks to Captain Dani of the “Servicio Aéreo Morona” (SAM-airline service), the youth reached Wachirpas. From there, they embarked on a four-day river journey along the Pastaza River, passing through Andoas Nuevo and eventually arriving in Kuyuntsa.

Three Achuar leaders from Ecuador accompanied the indigenous youth: Gonzalo Sanchin Chapui and Marcial Chapui Kasap—both animators of the Salesian Youth Movement—and Kashijint Kaisar Kinkias, an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist.

Beginning July 8, the young participants visited various local households. Marcial accompanied the girls, Gonzalo the boys, while Kashijint and Salesian priest Fr. Rogger visited families, distributed the Eucharist, and offered opportunities for Reconciliation—a moment embraced even by families from other communities.

The actual youth meeting began on Thursday, July 10. As this was a first-time event, some uncertainty lingered. However, previous experiences with Achuar oratories paid off—the youth weren’t afraid to participate, sing, and speak in public, using both Achuar and Spanish. The day’s activities were led by Achuar teachers and youth leaders, with the support of coordinator Cristóbal Machaca.

The bond between youth and educators transcended all differences. The young people felt heard and appreciated.

Themes discussed included personal uniqueness, life in indigenous households, schooling, and community life. Through activities like group dynamics, drawing, and games, the youth expressed themselves freely. There were also quizzes covering history, academic subjects, and knowledge about the Salesian oratory. The event left a deep impact on everyone involved.

In the evenings, Kashijint led prayer, and videos on Achuar life in Ecuador and Peru were shown—all in the Achuar language.

A particularly moving moment was the prayer at the tomb of Fr. Bolla. The youth sang a hymn that, according to tradition, was revealed to an Achuar boy in a dream by the priest himself. This song is now part of the indigenous community’s hymnbook.

Challenges, games, and music strengthened the spirit of the gathering. Despite limited time and some logistical hiccups, the goal was met.
“We sincerely thank everyone who made this possible. With grateful hearts, we hope this won’t be the last gathering of the Achuar Salesian oratory,” concluded the event organizers.