PIME Missionary Fr. Ace Marbella Valdez works in the slums of São Paulo, Brazil, in an area known as “Comunidade Anchieta”. On the southern outskirts of the large city of São Paulo, this slum is made up of 5,000 people living in poverty in makeshift houses of waste wood and junk materials. Most people are barely able to provide enough food for their families during the month. Despite Brazil being a mainly Catholic country, most people in the Anchieta community haven’t received the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation). It is a context in which “primary evangelization” and basic Catechism is much needed, even for adults.
A special place in the community is the São José de Anchieta Chapel, a small chapel in the slum where the faithful gather for Mass and prayer. The “Oratório São José de Anchieta” is an activity on Saturdays for children ages 6-12 next to the Chapel. Assisted by volunteers, Fr. Ace starts the day for the children with a moment of prayer in the chapel followed by a simple breakfast and then games, sports, and crafts. In addition, other volunteers go door to door visiting families in need providing them some basic food items. The day ends with a simple Catechism and a prayer.
In 2024, Fr. Ace reached out to the PIME U.S. Mission Center for help of $5,556 to support these simple but deeply meaningful activities that enrich the life of his community. Thanks to direct contributions and 2024 Giving Tuesday donations of PIME USA supporters, the $5,556 was raised for Fr. Ace to bring Christ to the children of the Anchieta slums in 2025!
In addition, the project has been so successful, it has been extended for two more years (2026-2027). Support for $7,222 is needed annually to continue the activities of the Oratório. Can you help Fr. Ace and the volunteers to continue bringing Christ to the children of Ancheta in São Paulo?
Leader