In 1938, five Sisters sailed from the USA for Brazil, where we would minister initially to immigrants who were fleeing Lithuania and the political chaos that preceded World War II. In those early years and continuing through today, we have strong financial and other support from those with a Lithuanian heritage.
We have also been blessed with the added support of prayers and donations from a diverse group of benefactors throughout Brazil, the USA and other places with which we are enabled to answer God’s call.
Brazil Today
Today, our Brazil Province has over 60 Sisters involved in pastoral ministry, education, formation of catechists, preparation of liturgical services and in healthcare, daycare and other social services and one sister is even a medical doctor and surgeon. We also currently have 15 women in formation.
There are 3 schools with over 3,500 students and two social centers in Sao Paulo. Our Sisters serve in a maternity hospital in the Amazon Region. We have seen the infant mortality rate decrease 38% from 1990 to 24 deaths per 1000 births, which is still a great challenge.
An important effort we’ve had in Brazil was converting our former novitiate building in Vila Alpina and a small school into social centers. This was done in an effort to prevent young children at risk from becoming “street children.” In these centers, children can come together before and after school to study, learn professional skills and recreate with their peers. It is a safe haven for them until their parents come home after work and since 1993, numerous children have come through the doors.
Our Lady of Providence Province in Brazil: www.irfranprovdeus.org.br (Portuguese)
Links to our sponsored ministries in Brazil
Pius XII School: www.pioxiicolegio.com.br
St. Michael the Archangel School: www.colegiosaomiguel.com.br
Pius XII Social Center: www.obrasocialpioxii.org.br
St. Clare & St. Francis Social Center: www.obrasocialsantaclara.org.br
Our Lady of Carmel School: www.enscarmo.com.br
For more information about Brazil:
USA: 412-885-7211 or
Brazil: 011-55-11-3742-0039 (Portuguese)
e-mail: [email protected]