Historic Celebration at the Miraculous Medal Shrine
On October 19, 2025, the Shrine of Our Lady of Graces of the Miraculous Medal in Rio de Janeiro joyfully and gratefully hosted the Eucharistic Celebration that officially marked the reconfiguration of the Provinces of Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. This historic moment gave rise to the new Province of the Daughters of Charity of Luisa de Marillac – Brazil, the result of a long process of discernment, prayer, sharing, and preparation.
Presences That Strengthen Communion
The celebration brought together the Superioress General, Sister Françoise Petit, the General Director, Fr. José Antonio González Prieto, the Visitatrices and Provincial Directors from various regions of Brazil. Also present were Sisters from local Communities, members of the Miraculous Medal Association, MISEVI, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, pastoral agents, and faithful who frequent the shrine. The presence of so many voices and hearts reinforced the spirit of unity and renewal that marks this new chapter.
The Eucharist as the Centre of Mission
Presided over by Fr. José Antonio, the Mass was carefully prepared by the Sisters responsible for liturgy and music. In his homily, the celebrant emphasised the Eucharist as the centre of the life and mission of the Daughters of Charity—a space of encounter with Christ and with the poor. He reflected on the reconfiguration as an act of trust in God, who calls us to live with hope even amid uncertainty. Inspired by the biblical readings, he reminded everyone that God’s faithfulness sustains the paths of mission and renews vocational commitment.
Reconfiguration: A Call to Trust
The Word of God proclaimed that day illuminated the deep meaning of reconfiguration. The first reading, from the book of Exodus, showed that the victory of God’s people comes not from strength but from trust. The psalm reinforced this certainty: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Paul’s letter to Timothy and the Gospel of the persistent widow invited everyone to persevering prayer and trust in divine mercy. To be reconfigured is to renew the missionary commitment, allowing charity to flourish in new forms and paths. It is believed that God welcomes the sincere efforts of those who wish to better serve the poor and that, with faith, it is possible to overcome fears and embrace the new with courage and gratitude.
Prayer as a Source of Communion and Mission
The celebration was marked by a deep spiritual dimension. Prayer was presented as an essential path to strengthen trust and renew hope, inspired by the example of Jesus, who prayed in all circumstances: in joy, in pain, in silence, and in communion. Reconfiguration is understood as a call to inner communion and the prophecy of charity. Contemplative prayer, combined with committed solidarity, is seen as a source of unity and fruitfulness for the mission.
Gratitude for the Journey and Service
Sister Selma Aparecida dos Santos expressed her gratitude for the journey toward reconfiguration. She thanked the Provincial Council for their dedicated service, the Superior General and her Council for their fraternal support, and the Sisters of the Provinces of Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte for their shared responsibility and communion. With faith and hope, she entrusted this new stage of the mission to the Lord, sustained by the intercession of Mary, Saint Vincent de Paul, and Saint Luisa de Marillac. “Thus far the Lord has led us… And surely from now on He will continue to lead us.”
Installation of the New Visitatrice and Council
During the ceremony, Sister Françoise Petit highlighted the historical importance of the union of the Provinces and thanked the Sisters and Provincial Councils for their courage and spirit of synodality. She officially installed Sister Maria Célia Costa Sá as Visitatrice of the new Province, entrusting her with the mission of leading this new time with faith, creativity, and generosity.
In her first message as Visitatrice, Sister Maria Célia expressed deep gratitude and joy, reaffirming that this is a time of grace and renewal guided by the Holy Spirit. She thanked the leadership of the Company and the Sisters of the former Provinces, recognising their courageous service and joint construction of this new path. “This new Province is more than an organisational structure. It is a call to communion, shared mission, and the prophecy of charity.”
She installed the new Provincial Council, composed of Sister Shirley Santos Silva (Provincial Assistant), Sister Jane Carla Gomes de Souza, Sister Maria Aparecida Cirico Maciel, Sister Maria Cristina D’Abruzzo, Sister Márcia Helena do Rosário Santos, and Sister Selma Aparecida dos Santos. Sister Sandilene Bocafoli was appointed Provincial Secretary, and Sister Rizomar Figueiredo, Provincial Treasurer. Fr. Agnaldo Aparecido de Paula was installed as Provincial Director.
A Gesture of Affection and Hope
As a gesture of affection, Sister Maria Célia gifted Sister Françoise Petit with a handcrafted piece made by Sister Maria Lúcia Rocha, 93 years old, as a symbol of gratitude and hope. The celebration concluded with a fraternal lunch, marked by joy and communion among the Sisters.
Walking with Hope and Fidelity
This new time is lived with faith, courage, and availability, as an expression of trust that “the charity of Christ impels us” and that hope never disappoints. The Luisa de Marillac Province – Brazil was born as a sign of communion and renewal of the Vincentian mission, to continue joyfully serving God’s beloved ones.
