At a time when countless families are experiencing difficulties, affected by consequences of the pandemic, the Heralds of the Gospel, compelled by their Faith, seek to practise the virtue of charity through a dynamic nationwide campaign aimed at helping all those in need.
Covering the Serra da Cantareira
More than 70 tons of food and basic necessity items have already been obtained and distributed. The goal, however, is not only to bring material assistance, but to ensure that those who receive these supplies experience the warmth of fraternal love. If we are brothers in Christ, this must be demonstrated through our actions.
Most of the articles collected by the “Quarantine, Faith and Charity” Campaign were distributed in the rural communities of the Serra da Cantareira, where the Heralds have several houses and exercise intense pastoral work. During the months of April and May, missionaries from the Association visited homes and institutional residences to deliver food and basic hygiene items.
Unified efforts throughout Brazil
Similar initiatives were implemented by all the houses spread over our immense Brazil. In Ponta Grossa (PR) and Vitória (ES) food was distributed in parishes; tertiaries visited needy families in Bocaiúva (MG); basic food baskets were distributed among rural communities in Ubatuba (SP); and in Joinville (SC), blankets were delivered to AJIDEVI, a local entity that works for the integration of the visually impaired.
In Fortaleza, capital of Ceará, a food donation was made at Friends of Jesus Home for children suffering from cancer at; in Recife, basic baskets were given to parishes, including St. Gonçalo of Amarante. The same service was carried out in other Brazilian cities, such as Montes Claros (MG), Campos dos Goytacazes (RJ), Castanhal (PA) and Rio de Janeiro. In the latter city alone, two and a half tons of food have already been distributed.
In short, the efforts have been intense and enthusiastic because, as the campaign coordinator, Fr. Alex Barbosa de Brito, EP, expresses it: “charity must be real and not virtual”. ◊
In other Countries…
Guatemala – Herald missionaries aimed to assist those most affected by the pandemic. For this purpose, they visited several rural communities and villages in the peripheries of Guatemala City. The photos show food distribution at the settlement of Santo Domingo in the municipality of El Tuerto.
El Salvador – On May 28, the residents of Guadalupe Community, in the vicinity of the new Virgin of Fatima Spirituality Centre currently in construction, were assisted by the delivery of basic household supplies obtained by the Heralds of the Gospel.
Italy – Also in Guidonia Montecelio, close to Rome, there was no lack of families to help by the donation of basic need packages.
Spain – A large quantity of basic food items was distributed to families in need from several parishes of the province of Toledo in an effort to allay the economic impact of the pandemic. In the photos, food articles are delivered to St. Mary’s Parish in the municipality of Consuegra.
Portugal – The Vincentian community of Nogueira was among those who benefited by the provisions gathered in the campaign carried out by the Heralds.
Activities in Spain
Madrid– On June 29, Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra presided at a Mass celebrated for the eternal repose of Fr. Pedro Paulo de Figueiredo, EP, at Immaculate Conception Parish. Fr. Pedro Paulo, a Brazilian by birth, was the superior of the Heralds in Spain, where he had dedicated his apostolate since the 1960s.
Sevilla la Nueva – Over 80 persons made their solemn consecration to Our Lady on June 20 and 21, in the House of the Heralds of the Gospel in the town of Sevilla la Nueva, close to Madrid, during Eucharistic Celebrations presided over by Fr. Michael Joseph Carlson, EP.
