An inspiring grassroots initiative by the Central Council of Santo Antônio of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Brazil is bringing faith, food, and fraternity directly to those living on the streets.

In the city of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, a humble but powerful initiative is reshaping the way Vincentians reach out to the most vulnerable. It is not a grand building or a flashy program—it is a cart. Known as the “Carrinho Missionário Vicentino” or the “Vincentian Mission Cart,” this simple tool has become a vehicle of hope, dignity, and deep Christian compassion.

Supported by the members (brothers and sisters) of the Central Council Santo Antônio, this outreach mission consists of walking through the streets—literally pushing carts—filled with homemade food, warm drinks, clothing, and other necessities prepared with what they call “the strength of the Vincentian heart.” The volunteers go directly to those living under bridges, in alleyways, behind walls, and under eaves—wherever the homeless may be found.

But they bring more than just physical items. They bring presence.

Each encounter is personal. Every conversation, every smile, every shared story is a sacred moment of communion. The volunteers pause to listen with empathy, speak with warmth, and share the joy of the Gospel—not only in words but in gestures, in food lovingly prepared, and in the simple but powerful act of walking alongside those often ignored.

The motto that animates this work is the biblical invitation: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). It’s a call not only to imitate Christ’s actions but to share His compassion, to be present to those on the margins just as He was.

Two Vincentian conferences—Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Expedite—have embraced this form of mission as their own, walking together with the poor in the spirit of Saints Vincent de Paul and Blessed Frédéric Ozanam. In doing so, they rediscover Christ in every brother and sister they serve.

Coffee, chocolate milk, chamomile tea, porridge, cookies, and cakes are all lovingly prepared by Vincentian hands already accustomed to doing good. These are accompanied by essentials like drinking water, warm clothing, socks, and caps—simple items that can mean the world to someone sleeping in the cold. And always, they go with prayer and action, seeking to transform not only circumstances but hearts.

The Vincentian Mission Cart is more than a project—it is a witness. A living reminder that faith moves, serves, listens, and loves. It is a modern expression of Ozanam’s cry: “Let us go to the poor!”

According to Brother Vanderson Magalhães (“Vandinho”), one of the passionate leaders of this mission, the initiative is saving lives—not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally … and the call goes out to everyone: “You too can help—by praying for us, or by donating something we can offer to our suffering brothers and sisters.”

In a world where many walk past the poor, the Vincentians of Juiz de Fora are walking toward them—with carts full of goods, hearts full of love, and hands ready to serve.

May God bless their journey and inspire many more to join them.

Visit the Central Council Santo Antônio de Juiz de Fora Facebook.