Africa
The beginning
The presence of brothers in Brazil began in 1966. The first fraternity was at Recife, in the North East of Brazil, in the diocese of Bishop Helder Camara, with whom Brother Roger had established a close friendship during the Second Vatican Council. From 1972, the brothers lived at Vitória, 1,700 km further south. In 1978 they returned to the North East, to Alagoinhas, a medium sized town, 110 km from Salvador. The brothers live there in a poor district in the suburbs. In this region of Brazil, 80% of the population are of African origin. The poverty is easily seen, but what most impresses visitors, come from elsewhere, is the smiling welcome of those who live here, especially the children.
In a poor district of Bahia
On a 2 hectare plot lent by the diocese, the brothers first built a little bamboo chapel which was used when there were few people. Little by little a reception centre came into being. Sisters of St Andrew, who were established in Sao Paulo, took charge of this. Then a larger church became necessary, as much for people coming to meetings as for those from the neighbourhood.
In the beginning, the brothers set up a neighbourhood association in the district to take care of the most urgent needs: running water, electricity, a bus service, a crèche, etc. In around 15 years, 160 working class houses had been built with help including that of Misereor, a German Christian aid organisation. The people bought these with tiny monthly payments.
The candidates were chosen according to their degree of need, that’s to say that they had all sorts of poverty accompanying their material poverty: fragmented families, mothers of young children with no husband or resources, unemployment, little education, alcoholism, drugs, violence… However, thirty years later one can see a definite improvement in the life of the new generation!
That which you did for the smallest…
It was necessary to improvise some teaching, which gradually became a public school; and to begin occupational training classes. These introduced more than a thousand young people into various jobs. Many found employment, either in Alagoinhas itself, or by migrating towards the large urban centres in the south. One of the workshops – the furniture factory - became independent. Others went bankrupt, since regular work, know-how, business spirit, and sale of produce don’t improvise themselves!
From time to time the brothers organise meetings for people with disabilities. Amongst these people, there are many who are deaf and never went to school. Some began to meet together at the fraternity. After two years they were able to be integrated within the school. Since 2001, the school has also welcomed the blind and visually impaired, and even some who are deaf/blind. If you include children affected by serious family problems, the total of pupils with a disability is over 40% for the present school year.
A foundation has been created in order to look after all this work for human and social development. This foundation manages the school, now public, in collaboration with the council. Thanks to this, all pupils also learn music. Another association looks after a home for the aged poor. These NGOs are independent of the fraternity, with their own management and finances, but the brothers play their part – including the creation of links with international bodies.
At the Community itself, each afternoon, children come. They find there a safe place to play, and a little food. Without realising it, they also learn there how to live together more peacefully. Young volunteers help with this welcoming of children. During the school holidays and every Saturday, older children teach the younger ones. In this way children from the most precarious families become familiar with school. In January the fraternity welcomes holiday camps.
Retreats and meetings
In the reception centre, retreats and meetings are held throughout the year. The three times of common prayer each day, with the brothers, support those seeking God. At the end of the week, children and young people come for catechesis, run by the sisters of St Andrew.
The brothers are often invited to lead retreats elsewhere. Since 1973, they have been organising occasional large meetings for young people in different parts of Brazil. In the region, one brother visits communities of sisters regularly for spiritual direction; another runs the diocesan youth service; and another does therapy work in the seminary of the town of Feira de Santana.
The brothers earn their living by producing stained glass, candles, and icons, and by writing. The plot where they live produces fruit and vegetables.