The year 2020 marks the celebration of the 50 anniversary of the Province of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

On May 17, 1970, Pentecost Sunday, the Brazilian Province of the Daughters of Charity was divided anew and the Province of Belo Horizonte was born. Sister Constança de Magalhães Dutra was designated Visitatrix. It was a new beginning!

Currently, the Sisters are present in the following states of Belo Horizonte: Minas Gerais, Goiás, Tocantins and the Federal District, serving with zeal and creative boldness our Lords and Masters. With missionary vigour the Sisters have opened missions in regions that are suffering, bringing consolation and hope to the people while being inspired and urged to move forward. Through the action of the Holy Spirit and the labor of love of so many Daughters of Charity, many realities have been transformed and the Gospel proclaimed.

Today, fifty years later, with hearts acknowledging God’s action through us, we thank Him for this beautiful story woven with golden threads by the hands of so many Sisters who lovingly dedicated themselves to the service of Christ in the poor.

This fiftieth anniversary of our Province is a time to celebrate and renew the Charism, to relive remarkable events, to be grateful for the countless blessings received from the Lord, to strengthen prayer, and to intensify the bonds of unity.

Thus, last May 31, 2020, on the Solemnity of Pentecost, even at a distance, we gathered with overflowing joy to give thanks for the past and to rekindle the passion with which we must live the present especially during these uncertain times. As Pope Francis tells us: we have not only a glorious story to remember and tell, but a great story to build! So, in thanksgiving, we commit ourselves to embrace the future with hope, a future where the Spirit will lead us to do still great things.

We entrust to the Paraclete the leadership of our beloved Province and, under protection of Mary, Mother and Guardian of the Company, we rekindle our strength as we move forward together. With confidence and joy, we continue along the paths of charity and mission and respond to the calls of the Company and the Church as we endeavor to live out the theme of the Assemblies:  Ephata: Break through the gate … Go towards … Encounter.

Sister Jane Carla G. SOUZA, DC Province of Belo Horizonte, Brazil