Brazil

In 1966, three Irish Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary arrived in Brazil in response to Pope John XXIII’s appeal for missionaries there.

Brazil’s repressive dictatorship had kept the majority of people silent there. The Church, because of the many favors it received from the rich and powerful, was also silent; it made few attempts to develop a critical social conscience among the Brazilian people. During the four-month language and culture course, the sisters were warned that they were strangers and that they should be grateful to the people of Brazil. One sister wrote, “That was a huge change for us missionaries because we thought we had so much to give.”

Fortunately, pockets of people resisted the unbearable lack of freedom and ever-growing poverty. The Holy Rosary Sisters saw their new presence as a huge opportunity. The bishops of Brazil also affirmed the opportunity for change. They were serious about the recent reforms of Vatican II and its challenge for a clear preferential option for the poor.

Sr. Therese (left) with her Portuguese teacher and children

The sisters, in support of the people, formed small Basic Christian Communities where people could gather, grow together, and create confidence in each other.

Within these small groups, they:
looked at the reality of life, read the Bible and questioned if this was the reality that God wanted, took on a small action together that signified the possibility of change.

The people began to realize that they had dignity; they became aware of their value as persons. The rich and powerful did not like this new empowerment; they had no power over the Gospel message of the Church. Many people, including bishops, were persecuted. The sisters continued their involvement with the people. In addition to Church activities, they encouraged people to demand better conditions, such as improved health services, roads, water, electricity, human rights, and land reform. These activities originated from the small Basic Christian Communities where the people, because of their faith, came together in their struggle for better conditions.

Today...
Nearly four decades later, the faith, spirit, and ministry of the sisters continue. In 2004, 15 Holy Rosary Sisters from four different nationalities work in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Pará. Their ministries include faith communities, parish ministry, prison ministry, AIDS ministry, catechist preparation, leadership training, mother-child care, alternative nutrition education, community health councils, mental health, housing improvement, and social justice programs. Their presence counts.

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