Archdiocese of La Paz discusses transforming parishes into encounter shops

The Archdiocese of La Paz held its third day of synodal assemblies at the San Jerónimo Seminary. More than 235 participants worked in 44 groups to discuss evangelization and the role of the parish.

According to official spokesperson Father Iván Bravo, the session focused on redefining urban and rural parishes. Participants discussed moving away from viewing the parish as a provider of religious services or a customs office for sacraments. Instead, they proposed transforming parishes into encounter shops that welcome people facing unemployment, abandonment, alcoholism, and loneliness.

The working groups addressed specific topics including popular piety, Sunday Mass, grief pastoral care, economic transparency, and the realities of rural life in Illimani and Yungas. Archbishop Percy Galván and Bishop Luis Durán accompanied the proceedings, which included theological input from rapporteur Bishop Basilio Mamani.