In a gesture of solidarity and compassion, the Vedruna Community of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has held its traditional Holy Week celebration in the streets of the city alongside homeless people struggling to survive in extremely difficult conditions.
Through its “Pastoral de Rua”, the community accompanies these people by offering them not only assistance with their basic needs, but also emotional and spiritual support, with the aim of integrating them into their families or finding them housing.
The celebration of Holy Week was especially significant because it allowed the members of the community to share moments of encounter with God. During Holy Thursday, an ecumenical worship and foot washing ceremony took place, in which participants washed each other’s feet in an act of humility and service. The ceremony was preceded by a breakfast with coffee and fruit, and culminated with a tasty snack.
On Good Friday, the traditional Stations of the Cross were held in the streets and squares of the city, followed by lunch. On Holy Saturday, each group was welcomed in their own environment, with a prayer and breakfast in the community.
Finally, on Easter Sunday, the Resurrection was celebrated in one of the city’s squares, near the bus station, in a moving and hopeful ceremony that closed this memorable week of encounter, solidarity and love.
Sr. Virma Barion
