New Hope, Nova Santa Rita, RS, Brazil

Sister Helena Maria Dalmaso helps in the Therapeutic Community “Nova Esperança” (New Hope), in Nova Santa Rita – RS.

The community welcomes chemical dependents of all ages. On average, there are 40 to 50 people. The group rotates often. The tripod for the recovery of chemical dependents is: work, discipline and spirituality. For three years, Sister Helena Maria has deepened the group with the Word of God.

A former addict, now a monitor of the community, answered the question: What does an hour of spirituality mean for your life?
“With the presence of a Sister we have an enabled priesthood. We live closer to our Higher Power. Your happiness, simplicity, understanding, the way you guide us and notice the needs of each individual are very important. We come from the streets which are a rude atmosphere. The hour of spirituality is a moment of peace and freedom. We share our lives and this we would not do with anyone else.”