Commemorating their century-long missionary efforts in Brazil, the Capuchin brothers of Umbria, Italy have opened an exhibit called “100 years in the Amazon”. Fr. Antonio María Tofanelli, the provincial minister, explains the importance of the brothers’ presence in the Amazon.

“We regard our mission work in the Amazons to be the greatest gift that God has given to the Minor Brothers Capuchin in the Seraphic Province. This is why we went to the Amazon: because of the power of the Gospel, because we wanted to bring this good news to them. And we truly lived it as a gift: participating in His mission, that is to say, the mission of Jesus Christ.”

The presentation, which is free of charge, will take place at 19 Saint Francis Street in Assisi, not far from the basilica and the Sacred Convent. It will remain open until November 1st.

NOVA-T, the Italian Capuchin Brother’s centre for multimedia productions, is responsible for coordinating the exposition. The presentation is also a sneak preview of what the Capuchin brothers’ missionary museum will be like once restoration work is finished. This impressive new arrangement, making it among the modern of European museums, will be distinguished by interactive multimedia displays.

“Somehow, Franciscan mysticism engages the person emotionally and affectively. Therefore, we would like all the visitors to the museum to feel in some way involved, as well, through how others relate their experiences.”