SÃO PAULO
Pirapora de Bom Jesus – 1953-1966
The Daughters of the Cross arrived in Brazil, the “Land of the Holy Cross,” in 1953. Three Sisters arrived together to establish the Congregation’s presence in Brazil: Sisters Madeleine Louise, Louise Marie, and Maria Honorata (Anna Maria). Three months later, the group grew with the arrival of Sisters Marie Noelle and Patricia Joseph, followed later by Sister Anna Josefa.
At the beginning, the Sisters needed to adapt to Brazilian culture and learn Portuguese. They worked at the Minor Seminary of the Premonstratensian Fathers (Norbertines) and also helped at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Pirapora, a very busy pilgrimage site. Fourteen priests lived there, along with many seminarians, and numerous pilgrims came to the Sanctuary. We can easily imagine how much work there was in the sacristy — fourteen Masses were celebrated each day.
Given Brazil’s great missionary needs, the work at the seminary became increasingly frustrating. Well-trained teachers, nurses, and midwives found themselves performing domestic tasks. The Sisters felt a strong desire to engage in work directly with the people. Gradually, they became involved in catechesis for children and young people, as well as sewing and dressmaking courses for poor women in the local community.
They opened a community pharmacy and even took orphaned children into their home, with authorization from the Juvenile Court, until local families offered to take them in. The Sisters remained at the seminary for fourteen years.
Jardim Europa, São Paulo – 1954 – 1968
During those years, they established another community in Jardim Europa, in the city of São Paulo. There, they were responsible for a school that is known today as Colégio São Norberto.
