A flaming torch of love for Christ

2008 University Missions to Primero de Maio

Agua bendito Holy water Weihwasser
Alegría contagiosa Contagious joy Freude, die ansteckt
Oración en la capilla de la misión Prayer time in the mission chapel Gebet in der Kapelle der Misiones
„Noche jóven“ Youth Night Nacht der Jugend
Todo el grupo The entire group Die ganze Gruppe Fotos: Lucas Ramagnolli © 2008

BRAZIL, Lucas Ramagnolli. Between 18 and 16 July 2008, the 5th Londrina University Students’ Pastoral Missions took place in Primeiro de Maio, Londrina Diocese. This mission has become diocesan tradition and a model for Brazil as each year it draws more and more young people who are prepared to give up a week of their holidays to become missionaries and give themselves to Christ.

This year, 115 young people and three priests participated in the missions. The youth hailed from various cities around Brazil, among them, Londrina, Ibiporã, Cornélio Procópio, Maringá, Jacarezinho, Arapongas, Rolandia, Lupionópolis, Florestópolis, Barbosa Ferraz, Congonhinhas, Guarapuava, Curitiba, Florianópolis, Santa Maria and Bauru. The priests who joined the group were Fr. Vandemir from Londrina, Fr. Afonso from São Paulo and Fr. Jorge de Barbosa Ferraz.

Carrying the Pilgrim Mother in their arms

The youth were divided into four communities within various locations in Primeiro de Maio, one of them being Ibiaci. Each community was responsible for a specific section of the town and, in addition to praying the Rosary and daily Mass, they prepared various activities for children, youth and adults. All this happened in four different locations simultaneously and thus the town was filled with missionary and evangelical activities. Radio LUAS FM also made space in their programming so that the missionaries could fill them with community-based programmes.

The young people went out in twos and threes, taking the Pilgrim Mother into people’s homes and with love and concern, they spread Christ´s message of love, read the Bible, prayed for families and blessed their homes by sprinkling holy water. People received the youth with joy and a few minutes’ conversation ensured that both sides soon learnt something about each other. During the mission, the young missionaries held a youth evening, attended by many young people, both in Primeiro de Maio and surrounding towns. It was a special moment with music, presentations and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

They dedicated each day of their short holidays

The town already has a youth group, but after the mission, this group will grow and become stronger yet as they try to conquer more youthful hearts in Primeiro de Maio.

By the end of the mission, it was easy to tell that it had been a success. Each home received a visit and each Mass and meeting for children, youth or adults drew more and more participants. Some Pilgrim Mothers were also sent out, even though the Campaign is already well-organized in that town and many of its inhabitants receive a visit from our Mother.

Towards the end of the week, the missionaries were tired and some had fallen ill. However, everyone was joyful because they whole-heartedly dedicated each day of their short holiday to the mission. These young people offered themselves and their efforts entirely for Christ so as to bring some change to the lives of the people of Primeiro de Maio. The residents’ hearts were filled with a burning desire for Christ, just like the young missionaries who, like a flame, burnt with an ardent love for Christ.

Translation: Sarah;Leah Pimentel, Johannesburg, South Africa