From 10 to 21 June 2025, I had the opportunity to be with our sisters in Brazil for a canonical visitation. This mission of the German Province began 45 years ago. Today there are six Brazilian sisters living in Timbiras and Codó, Maranhão. Fortunately, Sr Nicole had agreed to be with us as a translator. She is a German Franciscan Sister of Reute who has lived in Brazil for many years. She was a great help to us to understand each other and make us sense that we belonged to one another.
Maranhão is one of the poorest states in north-east Brazil. Our sisters live with the poor and are close to them in their daily lives. Through their work in the areas of education and healthcare, they know the needs of the people and care for them.
They also supervise several projects, some of which were started many years ago, to give children, young people, families and the elderly a chance of a better future. When I saw those joining the various programmes, I could well imagine that it is not just about being occupied. Rather, these programmes also teach a lot. Participants learn self-confidence and co-operation; they learn about and develop their potential and talents, and they enjoy the positive results of their efforts.
In addition, our sisters are also involved in the pastoral work of three parishes: Timbiras – Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, Codó – Santa Terzinha and Sao Raimundo. In the rapidly growing towns, each parish has several ‘comunidades’, communities in the newly emerging neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the town or in the surrounding interior with its settlements. The sisters accompany community leaders and catechists and are themselves active in catechesis.
In all three parishes, the parish priests are Pallottine Fathers and there are UAC groups of lay members who are inflamed by Pallottine spirituality and actively participate in the life and apostolate of their parishes.
It was a rich experience to share these days with my fellow sisters and the people they serve. May God bring to completion the good work he has begun!
Text and Photos: Sr. Adelheid Scheloske SAC
