Popular Missions in Bento Gonçalves
“Mission means setting out—setting out, walking, leaving everything behind, stepping outside of oneself, and breaking through the crust of selfishness that traps us within our own ego. It means ceasing to revolve around ourselves as if we were the center of the world and of life. It means not allowing ourselves to become confined by the problems of the small world to which we belong; humanity is much greater. Mission means setting out—not merely covering miles, but, above all, opening ourselves to others as brothers and sisters, discovering them, and encountering them. And if, in order to encounter and love them, one must cross the seas or take to the skies, then Mission means setting out to the very ends of the earth.”
(Dom Hélder Câmara)
For several years now, during Missionary Month, the Suore Pastorelle (Sisters of the Good Shepherd) and the Pauline Cooperators of the Bento Gonçalves (RS) group have organized a missionary outreach within a community of the Santo Antônio Parish, visiting families and bringing a message of hope.
On October 17, 2026, this mission took place in the São Cristóvão Community, in the Vila Nova I neighborhood of Bento Gonçalves. Everyone was inspired by the theme for Missionary Month—“One in Christ, United in Mission”—and the motto: “So that the world may believe” (John 17:21).
The mission began with prayer and the commissioning of the missionaries, centered on the biblical passage from Mark 6:7–13, in which Jesus calls the twelve apostles and sends them out two by two. The missionaries were sent forth in the same way: two by two. This manner of being sent reflects the communal dimension of the Christian mission.
The missionary team consisted of Pauline Cooperators, volunteers, community coordinators, and Suore Pastorelle. The group totaled 50 people, and they visited 300 families. The community shared lunch with us.
Preparation: We carried out preliminary preparations for the missionaries. The coordinators of the "Capelinhas" (small chapel/devotional group) ministry prepared the community by visiting the neighborhood, identifying those who wished to receive visits, and readying the families to welcome the missionaries.
Testimonies from participants:
- “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the time dedicated to our community.”
- “Today, our home felt vast through the grace of God, thanks to your visit.”
- “I want to participate again next year—I was even moved to tears!”
- “How truly beautiful!”
- “Jesus and the Holy Spirit were with us!”
- “So much joy and emotion!”
- “Let us continue to provide strength to families, bringing the Good News to many homes.”
The day of mission concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by the parish priest, Fr. Volmir Comparin. Praised be God for this beautiful moment in the life of this community!
sr Adriana Cortelini, sjbp
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