This title is intended to express, with joy and gratitude, the welcome we received in the cities of Guaraci and Centenário do Sul, both in the state of Paraná, where our congregation had communities of little shepherds in the past. It was a wonderful opportunity to take on the missionary and pastoral work of our charisma, in the service of vocational animation (SAV) and to revitalize and strengthen historical ties that were and are part of our pastoral mission.
Between August 11 and 18, I was in the city of Guaraci/PR, at the Parish of São Sebastião, Diocese of Apucarana. This city was an important point of our mission during the first 15 years of our arrival in Brazil, where we remained for 13 years, at the request of the people. Returning after 51 years was an opportunity full of meaning. I was warmly welcomed by the current parish priest, Father João Valentim Voltarelli, who invited us to participate in Family Week, whose theme, “Family and Friendship” and the motto “Friendship, a way of life with the flavor of the Gospel”, were providential, offering a space to remember and rekindle relationships. Returning to this community was a reconnection with our history.
During the week, I participated in various activities, such as: Marian rosary, holy hour and training for catechists on the theme “catechesis and prayer”, both in the center and in the district of Bentópolis. With local leaders, we visited schools, the Lar Divina Providência and Apae, in addition to talking to people who knew and lived with the Pastorinhas Sisters. We felt the affection and gratitude that the people still have for us.
From August 19 to 25, I went to Centenário do Sul, at the Nossa Senhora das Graças Parish, Diocese of Londrina/PR. In June 2023, we had already done a mission and we returned now. The welcome from the current parish priest, Fr. Paulo Roberto Martins, and from the community, especially Dona Ana Miranda, was very warm.
We made the visits requested by the community, including schools, APAE and acquaintances. We participated in the city's radio program, and several training sessions were held with catechism groups, altar boys and young people, addressing topics such as vocation and service. We also visited schools and held meetings with people of various ages, working on the responsibility of building a better and more fraternal world, highlighting the importance of good relationships and personal responsibility in forming a solid identity.
We are deeply grateful to all who welcomed us and received us with such affection in these two cities. May Jesus, the Good Shepherd, bless you all abundantly! We are certain that each seed we plant will help make the Kingdom flourish, and our pastoral mission will continue to mark history, rewriting stories..
Sr. Rosilene de Lima, sjbp
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