Brazil is a land that has sent many missionaries into the world, a sign of the receptiveness of the Gospel message and the desire to transmit it
In this context, we carry out our service of going beyond the parish territory to spread and strengthen the missionary impulse in the laity, in ecclesial structures, in parish communities, and in various contexts of society. We do it together with many laypeople who are personally committed to this action.
The youth mission
This is an important annual event. Many people participate to go to other areas of the country where priests are managing parishes alone, which are as large as dioceses.
Adriano is one of the 80 young people who participated in one of the missions:
“We went to Piraporinha, in the state of São Paulo, in a neighborhood called Guarapiranga. In this evangelization mission, we had the opportunity to live three days full of joy and sharing. We announced the Gospel with the joy that characterizes us young people and we were welcomed into the homes and hearts of the people. In addition to visits to families, a significant moment was the “missionary show” held in the central square of the neighborhood: we welcomed people with music and testimonies, thus being able to transmit our enthusiasm for evangelizing. The mission is always a great gift and helps us to grow in our humanity”.
Analia was in the Tejupá area:
“After a 6-hour journey, we arrived at our destination. There were 33 of us, and we divided into three different areas, carrying out three missions simultaneously. During our stay, we also involved the young people of the area, about 120 of them. The people welcomed us very well and collaborated with the activities. The smiles that the people gave us at every moment allowed us to face the difficulties and the heat, which was very strong during those days. During this experience, I experienced firsthand that not only do we young people give love to others, but we also receive it, especially from God, who is present with His providence and accompanies us in every moment”.
Week of Missionary and Community Animation
As missionaries, we are hosted for several days in parishes interested in our service, offering meetings on mission formation and spirituality. We involve the laity of the welcoming parish, animating celebrations, visiting families, and bearing witness to the joy of bringing the light of God into the world.
Raffaella, a missionary, says: “We live this service in a team, also with the presence of young people and lay couples. The collaboration of the parish priest and pastoral council helps us offer a service that fits the reality where we go. I am always amazed by the hospitality of simple people: they are the ones who participate and share the most to support the mission ad gentes.”
“Your presence has made us more united. We have visited many families together with you, and now we know each other better and can help each other. Thank you for your missionary testimony: you give your whole life, and we cannot physically go to Africa or Asia, but we go there thanks to you and with you.”
Maria Aparecida, (Santa Barbara)
Diocesan mission
We constantly collaborate with the Diocesan Missionary Center of Campo Limpo, taking on various tasks including the organization of the annual diocesan mission that involves laypeople from across the diocese. Each year, a particularly needy area in need of ecclesiastical assistance is chosen. The lay evangelizers are prepared with a 5-session training program on missionary spirituality.
“Every time we are amazed by the generosity and passion to transmit the announcement of the Gospel – emphasizes Patrizia Atzeni, a missionary in São Paulo since 2016.
Even the distances do not frighten the people! When we went to Araçuaí, at the border between the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia, it took 22 hours by bus for the 108 evangelizers to arrive at the location. These active Christians are not afraid of fatigue or danger.”
Joselino is one of the participants in the mission carried out in the outskirts of Santos, the port city in the state of São Paulo:
“During the mission, we walked a lot, traveling through the streets of dangerous neighborhoods, facing steep climbs in shantytowns, passing through drug dealers, and even encountering a shootout. With the Bible and rosary in hand and in our hearts the conviction that we were sent to the places where there was the greatest need for the announcement, no one wanted to give up!”
