Support for 30 Sisters in Brazil 

The Diocese of Cajazeiras is in northeastern Brazil, widely regarded as one of the poorest parts of the country. It faces severe droughts, and the people in this very rural area are, for the most part, impoverished. 

And due to a shortage of clergy, each priest must minister to 7,000 Catholic faithful, who are scattered over a vast area. At more than 5,500 square miles, the diocese is roughly half the size of Belgium, but has only 80 priests to support all the people here.   

The work of religious sisters is consequently a great blessing. Altogether, the diocese has 30 sisters from seven different congregations. They pray with the faithful, visit the sick and the elderly, give catechetical instruction, organize youth work and vocations, and counsel families through difficult problems, including addiction.   

Bishop Francisco de Sales Alencar, who wrote to us before being transferred to another diocese, explained: “The sisters are very much present, and on a number of pastoral fronts, especially in these difficult times, when people’s lives are heavily restricted. The sisters are a tremendous help, since they listen to the people and care for the marginalized.”

We have offered our support for the life and ministry of these sisters in the Diocese of Cajazeiras, so they can continue their precious apostolate. For this year, we have promised them a total of $9,771.