From the Belo Horizonte Community in Brazil, we’d like to share some of the experiences we’ve had this September, especially those related to our civic engagement, the defense of life, and other opportunities for community participation.
Vedruna Committee
Comité Vedruna is the name chosen by the community, since our house serves as a gathering place. It is an initiative that coordinates efforts to raise awareness and disseminate information about the elections through the distribution of flyers and direct, face-to-face dialogue with the public.
Our organization has also become a hub for the distribution of materials. In addition, we have a mobile outreach station that travels to different neighborhoods, bringing information to people and fostering dialogue with them.
Bible Month Gathering
At the request of the parish priest, a Franciscan friar, a gathering was held at the Areias Parish in Ribeirão das Neves, attended by our community and a large group of leaders.
The goal was to explore the theme of Bible Month—centered on the Book of Daniel—in greater depth, relate it to the reality of the elections, and offer guidance for the work of Bible study groups. Based on the book’s central theme, “His kingdom will endure forever” (Dan 7:14), a beautiful dialogue emerged about the hope that is meant to dwell in the hearts of everyone, especially during this time of crisis our country is facing.
The parish has a vibrant program of Bible study groups, which fostered reflection and discussion.
Cry of the Excluded
Braving the rain, many of us gathered at Plaza de la Rodoviaria to take part in the Cry of the Excluded. We then marched to Plaza Siete, the heart of Belo Horizonte, and continued on to Plaza de la Estación.
Conference on Human Trafficking
The “Un Grito por la Vida” Network, of which we are a part, is conducting awareness-raising efforts in schools to strengthen efforts to prevent human trafficking.
One of the schools selected was the Milton Campos Municipal School, located near our community. There, we brought together a committee made up of representatives from each Elementary II classroom—one boy and one girl—with the goal of preparing them to serve as advocates among their peers and families.
The first session was very successful, with about 30 students participating. We will continue this initiative and hope to organize similar activities at other schools.
20 Years of Street Ministry
The Street Ministry of the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a variety of activities. As pastoral workers involved in this field, we participated in one of the activities organized to mark this celebration.
Third Meeting of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (CEBs) for Priests and Religious Men and Women
Following the 9th CEBs Mining Conference, held in 2024, a group of priests and religious men and women affiliated with the Basic Ecclesial Communities was formed. We participate in this group and recently held our third meeting.
We drew on the insights of William César Castilho Pereira, based on his book *The Ideology of Shame and the Clergy in Brazil*, and engaged in a fruitful dialogue with the religious sisters in attendance. We also received guidance from Fr. Manoel Godoy on the journey taken by the CEBs.
It was three days filled with learning, dialogue, and fellowship. All of this heightened the sense of sadness at having to leave this group.
Looking back, our hearts ache at having to leave this “sacred land” that is Minas Gerais, where we have had so many experiences and met so many people and encountered so many realities that have enriched us.
We set out with gratitude for all that we have shared and experienced, trusting that life and mission will continue wherever the Lord sends us.
As we all know, “Only God never changes!”
Sr. Virma Barion, ccv
