Brazil - Xavante baptisms on Solemnity of Pentecost
Sangradouro, Brazil - May 2023 - During the Eucharistic celebration of the Solemnity of Pentecost on Sunday, May 28, 40 adult catechumens of Xavante ethnicity were baptized in the village of Abelhinha, T.I. Sangradouro. Mass was celebrated at 8 a.m., after several days in which the community had prepared the setting and spirit for the ceremony. The celebration was presided over by the pastor, Salesian missionary Fr. Juan Carlos Uscola, who, in keeping with Xavante culture, had his body painted, as did godparents and godmothers. Catechumens began preparing to receive the sacrament of Baptism in 2019, but the preparation was interrupted due to the pandemic. The new Christians live in the villages of Ape and Our Lady of Guia.