Pilgrims of Hope: Faith, Justice, and Human Rights in Action
Curitiba – Brazil | July 29 to August 1, 2025
“When I feed the poor, they call me a saint. But when I ask why the poor are hungry, they call me a communist.” (Dom Helder Câmara)
From July 29 to August 1, 2025, the Province of Curitiba hosted the 1st Interprovincial Meeting of Vincentian Social Work. Under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Faith, Justice, and Human Rights in Action,” the event brought together Daughters of Charity and laypeople from the six Brazilian provinces, creating a space for listening, reflection, and commitment to the Vincentian charism and social justice.
Central Reflections
Contemporary Transformations in the Church
Inspired by the Second Vatican Council and the pastoral language of Pope Francis, participants reflected on the mission of a Church that goes forth—one that recognizes the poor as a place of salvation and values the lived experiences of human beings.
The Socio-Transformative Dimension of Hope
Vincentian Social Work was reaffirmed as a humanizing presence. Qualified listening and the empowerment of individuals were highlighted as acts of hope and justice, where faith and equality walk hand in hand.
Global and Brazilian Context
Discussions addressed global challenges, including climate change, forced migration, and inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic, as well as national concerns such as legislative setbacks, environmental threats, and the rise in homelessness and food insecurity.
Daughters of Charity at the United Nations
The Daughters of Charity participate at the UN through conferences, side events, and educational and awareness initiatives. Sister Michele Loisel, representative of the Daughters of Charity at the United Nations, presented the Company’s international mission, emphasizing its non-partisan political engagement in defense of human dignity. Key actions include:
- Promoting integral human development
- Empowering vulnerable populations
- Amplifying the voices of the marginalized
- Collaborating with NGOs and religious organizations
Thematic Workshops and Professional Development
Five thematic workshops were held during the meeting:
Children and Adolescents: Strengthening bonds and social servicesscusión del Proyecto Ético-Político del Servicio Social, que culminó con la formalización de compromisos interprovinciales.
Human Rights: The UN and the homeless population
Health: Constitutional rights and mental health
Education: Cross-sector challenges and student well-being
Elderly People: Abandonment, self-care, and support networks
In the final plenary session, the content was integrated and deepened through the theme Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and empathy in professional practice.
The last day was dedicated to discussing the Ethical-Political Project of Social Work, culminating in the formalization of interprovincial commitments.
Gratitude and Commitment
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Organizing Committee of the Province of Curitiba, which carried out this first interprovincial meeting with dedication. We acknowledge the support of the Visitatrices and their Councils, as well as the communities that made this moment of sharing and mission possible.
May this meeting inspire a renewed commitment to justice, compassion, and the promotion of human dignity.
Sisters Conceição Aparecida Ferreira and Izabel Maria Ferreira
