Brazil Province: Pastorelle Sisters Inaugurate New Provincial Headquarters
- Suore Pastorelle
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
On June 28, 2026—the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul—the Brazil Province of the Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd (Pastorinhas) inaugurated and received the blessing for their new Provincial Headquarters in São Paulo. This event marked a milestone in the journey that began with the unification of the two former Brazilian provinces into the single Brazil Province. Our Rule of Life defines the Provincial Headquarters as the union of all the Province's communities. Therefore, more than just a center for administration, this house was established as the "Heart of the Province"—a place of welcome, communion, discernment, and spiritual animation for the Sisters, dedicated to the life and mission of the Congregation within the Church and in service to the People of God.
The Eucharistic Celebration and the rite of blessing for the house were presided over by Bishop Edilson de Souza Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of São Paulo. His presence held special joy and significance for the Pastorinha Sisters, as he had also presided over the opening celebration of the Brazil Province’s First Assembly in January of that same year. Thus, he accompanied two pivotal moments of this new chapter: the beginning of the new Province’s journey and, now, the inauguration and blessing of its Provincial Headquarters.
Attendees included the Provincial Leadership team, the Sisters from the new headquarters community, representatives from nearby Pastorinha communities, members of the Provincial leadership teams of the Pauline Family, the administration of the Divina Pastora School, and collaborators and friends who contributed to making this moment possible. The celebration was marked by an atmosphere of fraternity, gratitude, and hope.
Choosing the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles imbued the celebration with profound ecclesial and Pauline Family significance, as this date holds great importance for us. In his opening remarks, Bishop Edilson noted that inaugurating the headquarters on this feast day signifies placing the new Province under the sign of communion with the Church and with the mission. Peter represents the unity of the Church; Paul, the missionary impulse. Thus, the new house is born, inspired by these two pillars of ecclesial life and mission.
In his homily, Bishop Edilson highlighted that both Peter and Paul had their lives transformed by a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. In light of the apostles' witness, the new Provincial Headquarters is a place where communion is strengthened, hospitality is offered, the encounter with Christ is renewed, discernment is cultivated, and the mission finds new momentum. Thus, it becomes a sign of a Church that lives in communion and remains always "going forth"—a missionary Church.
During the celebration, the tabernacle was blessed, and following Communion, the rite of blessing the house took place. It was noted that a consecrated house is defined not by the walls that support it, but by the Gospel life that flourishes within it. It is a place of encounter with Christ, of abiding in His presence, and of being sent forth on mission. Sprinkling with holy water recalls Baptism—the source of new life—and serves as a reminder that everything experienced there should always be a sign of God's presence and a source of hope for all.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Sister Cristiane, the Provincial Superior, thanked everyone for their presence and noted that the inauguration of the new Provincial Headquarters also marked the closing of the Holy Apostles Community, which had previously existed at this location and served the Divina Pastora School. The Sisters who belonged to that community have now joined the new Provincial Community, which brings together the Sisters serving in administration, hospitality, and at the school.
After the celebration, the participants gathered for a festive lunch marked by simplicity, joy, and a family spirit, extending the thanksgiving of the liturgy and strengthening the fraternal bonds among all present.
Blessed be God for this new chapter in their history! We entrust to His providence the path being built in communion and mission, confident that the Good Shepherd walks with His flock and sustains us in proclaiming the Gospel and caring for life.
Sr Rosilene de Lima, sjbp
