Opening of the Centenary of the SND Presence in Brazil

PDF Download

June 7, 2022 marked the beginning of an important Thanksgiving Celebration; the 100^th anniversary of the presence of the Sisters of Notre Dame on Brazilian soil. In the light of the motto: “In the traces of the good God we are writing our history” all our ND Units joined in celebrating the ministry that began on June 7, 1923, when ten missionary sisters from Germany arrived in Brazil.

A Centenary Committee was organized in 2021 and included members from both Brazilian Provinces. The Committee prepared a ‘road map’ with suggestions for the celebration of the Centenary in each Unit. This plan was sent to our ND Communities as well as our ND Schools and other sites of ministry so that the Sisters, collaborators, staff, teachers, and students of the ND institutions of both provinces could participate in the countdown to this great event.

The countdown to the celebration, began with special gatherings throughout both provinces. The program featured meaningful symbols of the arrival of the pioneer Sisters. The hymn, specially composed for the Centenary, was sung with great enthusiasm and joy.

During these opening ceremonies, a description of the main activities planned for the coming year was presented. Among these are a national youth meeting and a national conference of educators as well as a documentary narrating the story of the SNDs in Brazil. There will also be two pilgrimages – one to the origins of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Europe; and the other to the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida in São Paulo, Brazil.

The vast Notre Dame family is invited to recall and reread the fascinating story of the Notre Dame presence in Brazil: a story marked by the presence of God’s good and loving hands. In the words of Sister Laudete Maria Zambonin, “Let us celebrate this important time in our history with everyone who has been part of it in the past and who is part of it now.”