Parteiras invisíveis: o papel das irmãzinhas de Jesus de Charles de Foucauld no diálogo entre a cultura Apyãwa (Tapirapé) e a cristã

Abstract

This research aims to approach and understand a new intercultural paradigm that allows us to live and think about possible mechanisms for bringing together such different and, at times, antagonistic worldviews and cultures. This new dynamic has its advent in the evangelization brought about by the Little Sisters of Jesus of Charles de Foucauld, of Judeo-Christian culture, establishing dialogue processes with the indigenous community Apyãwa (Tapirapé), in the northeast of Mato Grosso, in the pastoral territory of the Prelacy of São Félix from Araguaia. Such processes are based on the real need to conserve and maintain the life and culture of the Apyãwa indigenous community, almost decimated, with a population reaching approximately 50 people, due to numerous fatalities, such as: the influence of the tori (nonindigenous); to epidemics; hygiene; the attack by the Kayapó (another indigenous ethnic group); the advancement of crops and agriculture; the "famous monthly payment for the exploration and development of the north" promoted by the federal government, among others. The presence of Charles de Foucauld's Little Sisters of Jesus with the Apyãwa indigenous community not only revitalized the population, but also established rapprochement that gradually resulted in inculturation dialogue. In this aspect, the following were experienced: inculturation; interculturality; dialogue; respect and otherness as an expression of evangelizing practice. After sixty years of new evangelization, without baptism, without conversion and without building churches and schools, just in coexistence and care, the fruits appear. The community, reduced to 50 inhabitants, now has more than 950 people