GLT Accompaniment: São Paulo, Brazil

Our visit to the Province of São Paulo, Brazil, from 7 August to 9 September 2025, was a valuable opportunity to observe directly the dynamics of the ministry and community life of the MSC there. Over the course of more than a month, I witnessed various pastoral activities, engaged with the faithful, and experienced the commitment of my confreres in the Church’s mission within the MSC Province of São Paulo in Brazil (São Gabriel Cachoeira, Fortaleza, Itaitinga, Floriano, San Luis, Itajuba).

Pastoral Challenges
We visited several MSC communities in São Gabriel Cachoeira, Fortaleza, Itaitinga, Floriano, San Luis, and Itajuba. We encountered several issues that we would describe as challenges. Geographically, the service area is very large, with long distances between regions, so pastoral mobility requires significant effort and time. The hot weather is also a challenge for service there. Socially, poverty remains the most urgent issue and affects the wellbeing of the residents. Additionally, security issues—particularly in certain areas—require vigilance. Not all areas receive enough support from the diocese, so confreres often have to rely on their own initiative and creativity, and thank God, they have been successful so far.

Grace and Positive Experiences
Amidst these challenges, there are many blessings to recognise. The community remains the main source of strength and encouragement. The confreres demonstrate a warm spirit of brotherhood, supporting one another and creating a ‘shared home’ that welcomes everyone. The support from the provincial leadership is also a very important element, felt strongly by the confreres there. Their dedication to service is truly inspiring: their commitment to the mission, creativity in pastoral work, and good teamwork with the local community all reflect their fidelity to the MSC charism.

A valuable experience
We concluded the series of visits with deep gratitude and pride. The presence of the MSC confreres in the Province of São Paulo, especially in the places we visited, was received with respect and love by the faithful. Many expressed that they felt God’s presence through the simple yet compassionate service of the confreres. This visit further strengthened my belief that the Church’s mission is primarily fulfilled through a heart that loves and is present for others. Thank you to the MSC Provincial Council of São Paulo, particularly Luis Carlos MSC (Provincial Superior), who helped facilitate our visit so the accompaniment could run smoothly. Muito obrigado a todos.

Bram Tulusan, MSC (Indonesian Province) & Simon Lumpini, MSC (UAF)