What Brazil gave me...

I never thought this trip would be the chance to blend tourist and spiritual ingredients together....

A few days have passed and during the usual informative briefing of the village I learn that every Friday there will be an appointment at the theatre with the kids from the centre...they'll perform with dances, capoeira in particular, and various shows....these are the "meninos de rua", former street kids hosted at the Barranova centre in Maceió. I can't miss this meeting, I want to learn about the work of the missionary sisters.

After the show I talk with the sisters...I want to get out of the tourist circuits and visit the favelas if possible...right away I'm struck by the tremendous courage and deep dedication with which an extraordinary little group of nuns works daily for the material and spiritual support of children and of so many needy families.

I take the chance to visit the Barranova Centre, a day and night welcome centre where various educational opportunities are offered to children, and the two nurseries located in the favelas of Jacintinho and Santa Rosa, very poor suburbs of the capital Maceió.

Brazil, a land of marked socio-economic imbalances which are reflected in the high standard of living of one part of the citizens and the very low one instead of the poorest and most marginalised groups relegated to the povoados (inland villages) and the favelas. Here the houses are built with mud and the sanitary conditions are very precarious.

In this "world apart" every corner is a face, a story, a question that stirs something inside you and makes you feel a strong sense of embarrassment and helplessness. Yet never as elsewhere do you have the conviction that humanity is one, because the dignity, the smile and the cheerfulness of such a lovable people never fail even in conditions of extreme poverty and decay.

It was beautiful to see how the commitment and love that distinguish the wonderful work of the nuns are understood, recognised and returned with all the affection of these kids, an affection that bursts forth from their captivating smiles and their warm hugs.

On my return I immediately think: the needs are many, generosity can't be any less and we ourselves can take part in it...

For information on the mission and on distance adoptions visit the site