Christmas Pics from the Amazons in Brazil

We, Xaverian Missionaries, arrived in Brazil in 1953 in response to an appeal made by Pope Pius XII. The first areas of work were located in northern Paranà.  Our presence could be described as Gospel proclamation, spiritual assistance, and social-material-political betterment.  We opened seminaries in Jaguapità (1959), Londrina (1965), Laranjeiras do Sul, Sta. Mariana, Vila Diadema, Curitiba, and Sâo Paolo. Today, we work in two areas: one in the south (Paranà, Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais), and another in the north (Parà State).

In the North, in the Amazon region, there are 45 Xaverian Missionaries. The majority of them working in parish churches in Altamira, Abaetetuba, Xingù, and Belem, in the formation of Basic Christian Communities, Church leaders, catechists and local seminarians. Some others work in the promotion of justice and the defense of human rights in cooperation with various organizations. Still a few good bunch work in mission animation and vocation promotion, or some projects with the native Indians.

In the South, on the other hand, there are 59 Xaverian Missionaries. There we work on mission animation, vocation recruitment, and formation of young Brazilian candidates to become Xaverians.  We also respond to the needs of the local church in the parish of San Miguel Arcanjo, bairro Matao, Campinas, SP. These parishes cover vast territories, are densely populated, and affected by many social problems.

In these photos Fr. Renato Trevisan shared with us some sights from his work among the Kayapo Indians:

With the arrival of new life, the mother immediately paints her child to identity him as part of their group in the tribe.

Fr. Renato Trevisan at a Baptismal Ceremony in a Kayapo Village

Four Kayapo brothers feasting for the Christmas holidays with bread and guarano.

Getting ready to celebrate Christmas in the Kayapo way through dance and music!