First Assembly of the Province of Brazil

God is weaving His work in the simplicity of walking together...

At the beginning of this new year, the Shepherdess Sisters of Brazil gathered at the House of Prayer of the Pauline Sisters, from January 3rd to 9th, 2026, in the city of São Paulo, for the First Provincial Assembly, after the unification of the two Brazilian Provinces into the single Province of Brazil, which took place on January 1st, 2026.

This is a historic milestone, preceded by moments of fellowship during the New Year's celebrations at Jardim das Pastorinhas and the pilgrimage to Aparecida do Norte on January 2nd, an occasion when the Assembly participants were able to entrust the nascent Province to the intercession of Our Lady of Aparecida. These were special moments of encounter, prayer, sharing, listening, and fellowship, marked by the joy of being together.

On January 3rd, the opening Mass of the Assembly was celebrated, presided over by Dom Edilson de Souza Silva, auxiliary bishop of the Lapa episcopal region of the Archdiocese of São Paulo, who in his homily emphasized that “Inspired by Jesus, the Good Shepherd, your Charism is the Pastoral Ministry in favor of evangelization, the formation of communities and service to the members of the people of God”.

Following this, after the roll call of all the Sisters who make up the new Province (present and absent at the Assembly), we had the first illumination, given by Sister Sandra Pascoalato, sjbp, who offered a biblical-charismatic deepening of our General Objective: “Shaped by the love of Jesus the Good Shepherd, becoming integrated, missionary and vocational communities in the synodal Church, at the service of humanity today”.

In the afternoon, Sister Maria Brendali Costa, sjbp, presented us with a profound analysis of the social, ecclesiastical, and geopolitical situation. These two moments of enlightenment aimed to provide a foundation for the provincial planning work, which was diligently developed throughout the Assembly.

On the second day of the Assembly, we delved into the Apostolic, Community, and Economic Reality of the Brazilian Province, followed by the formation of communities for 2026. We concluded the day's activities with the beginning of group work and Mass, presided over by Fr. Antônio S. Bogaz, fdp.

On the third day, group work continued, reflecting on the positive events in each community and identifying areas needing more attention. In the afternoon, the groups worked with the summary of the Consultation conducted by the General Government for the appointment of the new provincial government, the planning resulting from the 10th General Chapter, and proposals for each area, in view of the planning process. The day concludes with a moment of community prayer.

From January 6th to 9th, we always began with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by the Pauline Fathers: Fr. Christian Dino Batsi and Fr. Valdez Dall’Agnese. During these days, group work was carried out and the planning for the new Province of Brazil was developed, which was duly approved in plenary session.

Five Provincial Teams were formed: Reflection and Charism, Vocational Animation Service, Economy, Communication, and Cooperators, which had time to meet and plan their own activities. We also had a morning meeting with the Community Coordinators, concluding the Assembly with a beautiful moment of Community Prayer, where we offered to the Lord everything we experienced together during these days, expressing our deep gratitude and hope.

These were days of grace, communion, and true synodality! We thank everyone who was in tune, through prayers and solidarity.

For all this, we give thanks to God the Shepherd!

Sr. Ana Paula Salton, Sr. Gabriele Camelo Moraes and

Sr. Lusineide Cardoso de Melo, sjbp

Assembly Communications Team