More than 40 Missionaries, members of the worldwide Vincentian Family, participated in the mission in Piracema (Minas Gerais, Brazil)

Dom Helder Câmara wrote: “Mission is to leave, to walk, let everything go, come out of yourself, break the crust of selfishness that closes us in on ourselves.” With a desire to serve their brothers and sisters who reside in this area, 43 missionaries from different branches of the Vincentian Family (Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Lay Vincentian Missionaries, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Mercy Sisters and Sisters of Gysegem) engaged in a popular mission in the Parish of Our Lady of those in Need (Piracema, Minas Gerais, Brazil) This took place from January 14-22, 2023.

Because of the rains, the pastor, Romualdo Leite and the coordinating team of the Vincentian Popular Missions decided that the duration of the mission and the number of participants would be reduced from that of previous years. Nevertheless, the situation did not diminish the quality of the work nor the intensity of the celebrations which this time of grace offers to the People of God.

During 2022, the members of the parish had participated in various events (Holy Week, Missionary Vocation Week, and other times of formation) that were intended to serve as a preparation for the mission that took place in January. In January the activities of the missionaries were offered to the people in  Aguada, B. Preto, B. Retiro, Cidade Nova, Colônia, J. Rodrigues, Laje, M. Verde, Matriz, Mosquito, Mundeus, P. de Baixo, P. de Cima, Paciência Pintos, Quilombo, Rosário, S. Expedito, Santo Antônio, São Judas, Sobrado, Sossego, Souza, Taquaral, Tatu and Valongo.

This mission consisted of home visits (all the members of the parish) during which time the parishioners were listened to. The missionaries prayed with the people and blessed their homes. The priests (Fathers Cleber, Denilson, Ezequiel, Juarez y Onésio) administered the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick. There was also time for formation (Deacons Tulio and Driano Pires) and activities that were focused on vocational promotion.

This was a time of grace for all the people of Piracema who welcome the missionaries and offered them their best. Indeed, the mission unfolded in accord with the will of God. We give thanks to Father Romualdo and to all the people who reside in this area who made this mission possible. May our Lord bless them and may Our Lady of those in Need protect them. We continue to walk together united with Jesus, Mary and the Vincentian saints as we offer these popular missions to the people of the Parish-Mission in Serra do Ramalho (Bahia, Brazil) … we rely on the support and the prayers of everyone

Saint Vincent de Paul, pray for us!

Fr. Cléber Teodósio, CM.
Source: https://www.pbcm.org.br/

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