FREI
DANIEL:
THE ARCHITECT
OF THE
COLONIA
DO PRATA
Let us go back to Colonia do Prata where life goes on in a somewhat acceptable
peace, although threats and rebellions seem to increase, especially after
the carnage of Alto Alegre. Frei Daniel, who is now the Prior and the Administrator,
seems to be guided by miraculous foresight to perform incredible feats
of efficiency to help the Indios and the inhabitants of the Colonia. This
young Capuchin is overwhelmed with paperwork and financial difficulties,
has to deal with missing payments of the Government that does not keep
its promises, and the legitimate complaints of the workers who demand their
due. Yet, what this young and restless friar accomplishes for the sake
of their souls and in order to improve their living conditions is incredible.
Frei Daniel succeeds in all his endeavors with great humility and uncommon
patience.
He is able to obtain funds for modern technology to reach into the deep
forest, such as a railroad with some twelve miles of rails over embankments
and bridges, and the telephone. He even succeeds in erecting, into those
clear skies, two beautiful churches: St. Anthony's, a spacious architectural
marvel with its own bell tower, and St. Isidore's, a real jewel among the
fields where the forest had been cleared. His life is ebullient with the
fervor of initiatives, but deep down there is that gnawing feeling caused
by strange pains that would not go away. He suspects, he doubts, but he
continues to work without sparing himself, and is ready to accept God's
will. Doctors suggest various remedies in the attempt to conquer, or at
least to slow down, a disease which they do not want to openly name. His
superiors, following the advice of the doctors, send him back to Italy
and on August 5, 1909, Frei Daniel embarks on a ship that is headed for
Portugal. Once there, he reaches Lourdes by train.