Burning heart that bears witness to visiting and being visited
From the 9th to the 16th of July, we participated in the vocational missionary week, at the Paróquia Nossa Senhora das Graças, under the administration of the Rogationists, in Morro Doce – Episcopal Region Brasilândia – Archdiocese of São Paulo.
The mission was promoted by the Institute of Vocational Pastoral (IPV), in partnership with the Conference of Religious of São Paulo (CRB). We were about 30 missionaries, from various congregations, working in the 15 communities that make up the Parish. I stayed in the Santo Expedito community, together with Sr. Izabel Patuzzo, from PIME.
These were intense days of evangelization, through visits to families, the sick and some bereaved families. Spaces for listening, sharing, solidarity, prayers. Opportunity to visit and be visited by the Lord.
Also vocational animation, celebrations, Masses in the Chapels. On Saturday, almost ending the week, there was a talent show with young people and children from the communities. It was a joyful and festive moment, a space for evangelization and vocational awareness. Sunday, we conclude with the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Geraldo Tadeu Furtado, Provincial of the Rogationists and, afterwards, the missionaries had lunch in the communities where they stayed during the week.
It was challenging, demanding to walk through the hills. Take a breath! Even more pleasant to walk with happy, hospitable, generous people, with burning hearts, who testify to the pleasure of participating and collaborating with the various services and ministries, because the community is a place of communion, sharing and service. The moment was opportune to emphasize that everyone is called to be ever more aware of a “vocational culture”.
Thanks to Dona Eugênia Soares and her entire family, who hosted us in their home and to everyone who walked with us during the visits. Gratitude from the heart! With you I also learned to say “God is good all the time, all the time God is good”.
Sr. Rosilene de Lima, sjbp
