During the crisis of Covid-19, the Catholic Church in Brazil had created a campaign “It is time to care”. In the parishes teams of people had an eye on the most vulnerable, collecting food and assisting them in their needs. With great concern and attention, the parish of Our Lady of Remedies in Timbiras, took care of people in difficult situations, so much so that in 2024 a team made up of members of the parish was created to look after these families and help them. From February this year, an equipe of twelve people reorganized this group and charitable action.
The team visits the various chapel communities and there encounters many problems: people with health problems who cannot afford to buy medication, elderly people who still do not have a pension (in this case we refer them to the public services to help them), we advise people where they can turn to get help when they need it.
One particular case that the team was confronted with was a family, a mother and her daughter, who were both suffering from cancer; it was a very sad situation, and it was necessary to carry out a social action involving the whole parish community to raise funds to buy expensive medicines. And so, the action ‘caldinho solidário’ (solidarity soup) was organised, where portions were sold, and we were thus able to acquire the necessary medicines. However, unfortunately, Maria de Jesus, the mother, died shortly after this action.
Another important campaign was the collection of food to pack food parcels for families during Holy Week. With donations and the help of the parish community, 81 food parcels were made and handed over to families in need.
All the members of the team are volunteers. Among them are Sister Iêda Maria Siqueira da Silva, a Pallottine Missionary Sister, and other members of the UAC, who have been visiting the poor families in all the quarters of the town, to talk with them, know them better and pray with them. With joy let us continue this beautiful campaign to witness God’s love!
Text: Joisania Maria Monteles
Photos: Maria Edivana dos Santos de Oliveira
