BRAZIL, Gabriel Figueiredo •
It all began in 2016 when I met Manfred Worlitschek and the community of the Brothers of Mary at the National Meeting of the Boys’ Youth in the city of Cornélio Procópio, Paraná. Since then, we have stayed in contact and I have learned more about the community and its beautiful mission. —
With time and conversations, I began to think: Could this be my place? Maybe this is my destiny… How can I give myself fully to the service and the work of the Mother of God?
This restlessness remained in my heart for a long time, and in parallel, I was always maximally committed to my daily tasks: in my studies at the faculty and in the tasks of the Schoenstatt Movement. At that time, I was also responsible for the Boys’ Youth in Maringá, Paraná.
Time passed, my studies ended, and the restlessness in my heart remained.
I studied dentistry to help patients and give people smiles
I confess that I often thought about the path of the priesthood, but something didn’t fit, because I really liked my work: I studied dentistry in order to care for patients and thus bring a smile. I just could not imagine giving up that work.
I felt in my heart that taking care of a patient is a great apostolate. My work as a dentist awakened a great joy and satisfaction, with great personal fulfillment.
When I became aware of these little things, I decided to write a letter asking to join the community of the Brothers of Mary. It took a while before I received a reply, and I must confess that I was very nervous during the waiting period.
I have perceived Our Lady’s hand in my life because I received the answer on a very special day in a special place.
It could not be otherwise: On November 19, 2019, the Forum of the Boys’ Youth of Brazil was held for the first time in my city. I saw it as a unique opportunity to share with my friends the happiness I felt at that moment. Since then, I joined the Community of the Brothers of Mary as a postulant.
I am currently doing my introduction online because of the pandemic.
I am very happy with my choice and I give my yes to the Blessed Mother every day.
Original: German 09.001.2021 Translation: Lindsay Burger, Ohio, USA
