In the context of the Vedruna Bicentenary, the Community of Sisters of Belo Horizonte (Brazil) recently participated in two events that respond to the Charism that urges us to walk with Jesus.
On the 21st, the opening of the Pastoral Year of the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte and the launching of the Campaign of Fraternity 2026 took place, with the theme: “Fraternity and Housing” and the motto: “He came to dwell among us” (Jn 1:14). This participation was very important, because it deeply enlightened our mission in the Street Pastoral.
The advisor of the National Conference of the Bishops of Brazil (CNBB) challenged us deeply, offering a glimpse of the three parts of the methodology: “See, Judge, Act”, making us perceive the consequences of the lack of decent housing, including for children, who are adversely affected in their school performance. He also highlighted the serious problems faced by the population without decent housing in this time of rains and storms. He made a strong call for Christians to mobilize ourselves to commit ourselves more and better in the work for decent housing for all.
On the 22nd we went to the village of the Xucurus Cariris Indians who, four years ago, occupied a piece of land in Brumadinho. They started the occupation with 15 families and today there are already 50. Celebrating the four years of this occupation and the struggle for the land was really worthwhile.
The land belongs to Vale, the mining company that committed the crime in Brumadinho in January 2019, where 272 people died. Those responsible still remain unpunished. Our struggle consists, in addition to helping in the construction of houses in the village, in strengthening, together with the indigenous leaders, the infrastructure so that Vale does not take the land from them again.
We went with a group called “Resistance Group of Minas Gerais”, composed mostly of women. We spent the day celebrating with the families living in this village. Now it is a matter of getting the electric power and piped water that nature itself offers.
We thank God for these two experiences that strengthened our celebration of the Bicentennial of the Congregation founded by St. Joaquina de Vedruna, who wished to “embrace the needs of all peoples” and left us in charge of this mission.
Belo Horizonte Sisters Community
