On May 5, Alberto Toutin sscc and Fernando Cordero sscc arrived in the evening at the SSCC community of Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro, where our brothers Silvano Dias de Ávila sscc and João Henrique Mattos sscc currently live.
On May 6, along with personal conversations with the brothers, the visitors visited the Casa Padre Damián Social Work, founded in 1946, whose new headquarters were inaugurated in 1995 on the occasion of the beatification of the Belgian missionary.
This institution offers a variety of activities and projects to 89 elderly people, including dancing, physiotherapy, sewing, handicrafts, as well as clothing and food assistance. One of the elderly women shared her testimony: “Thanks to Casa Padre Damián, I overcame my depression; now I feel happy and cared for.” A large number of staff members and volunteers are devoted to caring for the elderly. João Henrique is the president of the board of this Social Work. In addition, the facilities are used for other activities requested by the municipality. This work is linked to the Parish of the Sacred Hearts, from which it receives help and support, reflecting Father Damien’s option for the least favored, in this case people who suffer social exclusion in the urban center.
In the afternoon, after the Eucharist, they met with the pastoral council of the Parish of the Sacred Hearts, where the lay members expressed their gratitude for the presence of the SSCC brothers, as well as for the renewal taking place in areas such as liturgy, catechesis, and youth ministry.
On May 7, the visitors met with the brothers of the community and thanked them for the service they provide in the Parish and in the Social Work. They recalled that the parish is going through a period of restoration, much like the work Silvano does restoring images. They also emphasized the importance of the functioning of the Parish Commission.
After the meeting, they visited some emblematic places in Rio, such as Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado. The visit continues in Campo Grande.
05/08/2026