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Saint Andrew's Mission, Tacuarembo

Our address is that of Sra. Alicia Silveria, Calles Presidente Gestido 358, Tacuarembó , Uruguay, Tel: 063-23562.

Priest-in-charge: Rev´d Heber Castaño Torres, 

Calle Tacuarembó 1490,

Apto. 102,

Montevideo,

Uruguay.

Tel: 02-400 8158

This little mission, in the interior of the country, was born as a fruit out of a painful time for the family of Sra. Lilián Silveira – the long illness and passing of her mother. Sra Lilián has been  an active member of the Parish community of the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral in Montevideo, where she coordinates the important holistic mission work of the Saint Laurence Soup Kitchen, which functions out of the crypt of the Cathedral.

The Anglican Church of Uruguay in particular Bishop Miguel Tamayo and Deaons Martha López and Gonzálo Soria and many others accompanied the Silveira family at the difficult time, and consequently the family asked the church to continue it´s presence in the area. As a result the first Eucharist celebration took place on the 28th December 2002 in the house of Sra. Alicia Silveira, the sister of Lilián, presided over by Deacon Gonzálo Soria. Some 25 people participated in this first celebration.

In 2003 Rev. Gonzalo Soria began to accompany the community once a month. The Mission has been visited many times by Bishop Miguel who always encourages the group in their faith.

Since February 2004 the Rev. Heber Castaño, known as Padre Tito, has had responsibility for the pastoral accompaniment of Saint Andrew’s Mission.

In his first visits Rev. Heber Castaño spent time with the community sharing in the life of the people. They have discussed the need for formation and since April 2004 have been undertaking Bible Studies initially in preparation for the first Diocesan Women’s Encounter, which took place in Montevideo in October 2004. The women of Saint Andrew’s Mission participated in this Encounter which proved to be a great stimulus for the ongoing journey of the community.

Regular visits have continued and in October 2005 the first baptisms took place in the Mission; Kevin and Nicole Barrios, sons of José Luis y Carina.

Although we do not have much space to undertake our activities we are always grateful to Sra. Alicia who hosts our meetings each month and in whose house we undertake our services and Bible study. These take place in a spirit of fraternity sharing mate, conversation and our lives and experiences between children and the elderly, young people and adults, men and women. We know that this diversity is a great treasure and that we must look after it carefully.

We are growing in numbers and in grace. We are thinking about the possibility of having our own space but the economic commitments involved make this difficult at this time. Meanwhile we continue on our walk of formation and maturation in faith. We are happy and grateful that we have been blessed by the presence of the Anglican Church in this place.

We are today a community of 12 members who wish to continue growing and sharing our faith with our neighbours, friends and families. Our Patron Saint , Saint Andrew the Apostle has given his testimony that all can know Jesus and can have life in abundance.