Brazil – Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Conference of Religious of Brazil, in the presence of Salesians
Fortaleza, Brazil – June 2024 – The Conference of Religious of Brazil (CRB) celebrated its 70th anniversary with a Congress that brought together about 800 men and women religious from all over the country in Fortaleza. The event, which took place between 30 May and 2 June, had as its theme: "Memory, mysticism, prophecy and hope". Also present for the occasion were Salesians Fr Magno Xavier, Fr Laércio José De Lima Barbosa, Fr Gilvan Galdino and practical trainee Stepheson dos Passos, as well as numerous other Salesians from the various Brazilian Provinces. The Congress began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Gregório Paixão (OSB), Archbishop of Fortaleza, and concelebrated by Bishop. Júlio César Souza de Jesus, Auxiliary Bishop of Fortaleza, and Bishop Edmilson Tadeu Canavarros dos Santos, SDB, Auxiliary Bishop of Manaus. During the days of the congress, characterised by joy, hope and prayer, the participants also had the opportunity to go on pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of San Francesco delle Piaghe in Canindé. Finally, Fr Magno and Stepheson dos Passos were entrusted with the course on "Youth Reality", whose objective was to contextualise youth reality, the plurality of contexts, experiences, opportunities and sensitivities. The Congress then ended with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Ricardo Hoepers, Auxiliary Bishop of Brasilia and Secretary General of the National Episcopal Conference of Brazil (CNBB).