Alberto Toutin sscc and Fernando Cordero sscc arrived in Campo Grande on the afternoon of May 7. On May 8, they began conversations with the SSCC brothers: Antoniel Santos da Silva, Vitor Henrique Borges, and Geraldo Abilio Ribeiro, participating in the Eucharist of the novena to Our Lady of Exile, patroness of the parish, which includes the main church and six chapels serving a large population. In his homily, Alberto invited everyone to be welcoming and attentive, like Mary, to the many migrants and foreigners around them (Campo Grande has a large number of Lebanese, Portuguese, and Italians, among other groups).
In the afternoon, the visitors met with a group of young people in the presence of the three SSCC brothers who make up the community, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
The meeting, led by Vitor, included several parts: introduction of participants, a time of adoration (“Saint Damien, servant of the poorest among the poor”), dialogue, and going out together for hamburgers. It was a space where the young people highlighted the family spirit of the Congregation and where both religious and youth experienced a climate of trust and closeness. These young people feel the presence of Jesus in their lives through service and feel that the Lord makes them protagonists of His mission. They desire an open Church in which young people are included and not merely “used” to carry out tasks. They appreciate the free time the SSCC brothers dedicate to being with them. In fact, they referred to the closeness of the three brothers who, despite belonging to different generations, are approachable people who are not hiding behind a role. Truly an afternoon of adoration, encounter, and celebration.
On May 9, Alberto and Fernando, accompanied by Antoniel Santos da Silva, met in the morning with the Secular Branch of Campo Grande. They began with coffee, a time of adoration centered on Saint Damien, and subsequent dialogue. The lay members shared their faith journey with the visitors.
They feel they are a family united to the SSCC mission amid difficulties, with adoration as the central element of their lives. Adoration makes them “dangerous” in giving their lives as Damien did. They are concerned about how to attract more people to the Secular Branch. They also referred to Fr. Máximo Sada, who gave his life, following the example of Jesus, in these lands.
The morning concluded with a meeting with Vitor, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, who presented the work carried out during the three-year period. This is a challenge for the Provincial Chapter as an articulated proposal for formation, systematization, and accompaniment. It must become a real option for the brothers of the Province. He also spoke about the SSCC retreats for young people.
In the afternoon, the visitors met with the pastoral council of the Parish of Our Lady of Exile. Alberto thanked the parishioners for the care they show toward the SSCC brothers, who feel supported by them. During the meeting, they discussed how they experience the different ministries as a source of joy and how to grow together amid challenges. They pointed out how the ministries are open doors to the parish community, as well as how, around Saint Anthony’s chapel, they care for the poor. How can the Church be outgoing and welcoming? The need to remain close and not leave people alone in the face of problems was emphasized. Alberto also thanked the parishioners for the trust they place in the brothers, which is a responsibility. He encouraged them not to be afraid to offer criticism to the SSCC brothers when things are not right. The blessing received from the people is a reminder of responsibility. With transparent people, trust grows.
Afterward, they celebrated the Eucharist at Saint Terezinha Chapel and at Our Lady of Peace Chapel. At the latter, Fernando presided for the first time at the Eucharist in Portuguese. Interestingly, the pastoral work in this chapel was begun by a Spanish religious: Fr. Argimiro Llamas SSCC.
On Sunday, the visitors presided at several Eucharistic celebrations in the main church and in different chapels. In the afternoon, they met with the brothers of the SSCC community. The brothers were invited to rebuild trust and strengthen community fraternity, living with transparency, mutual care, and closeness to the People of God. They were also encouraged to renew the SSCC pastoral mission, especially with young people, the poor, and the Secular Branch, working together and in shared responsibility. Finally, they were called to contribute to the upcoming Provincial Chapter from a fraternal, missionary life open to pastoral conversion. With gratitude, the visitors thanked the brothers of Campo Grande for their hospitality and continued their journey toward Paraguay.
05/11/2026