Initially destined for a mission in Mozambique, which is undergoing a severe political-social crisis, the religious brother was sent to Brazil while waiting for the procedures to go to Africa. During the last three months, Tomas Esquerdo sscc, a 26-year-old Spaniard, spent time studying the language and learning about the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Brazil.
Besides learning Portuguese, he became very close to local realities due to his charisma and openness in communication. During his time in Brazil, Brother Tomás visited the Jequitinhonha Valley (Pedra Azul, Águas Vermelhas, and Divisa Alegre), missions in Rio de Janeiro (Tijuca and Campo Grande), the formation house in São Paulo (Pindamonhangaba), and the Alto Paranaíba region in Minas Gerais (Patrocínio and Romaria).
It was in the religious community of Belo Horizonte where he lived and sought to learn more by participating in several social projects. This intense period was characterized by a particular connection with the Cause of Canonization, Social Action, and the devotees of Blessed Father Eustáquio.
Brother Tomás said he takes with him the memory of a welcoming people. He highlighted that the religiosity of Brazilians and their experience of the Word of God were the things that most caught his attention. “I had a great experience of encountering God in prayer, even in a moment of uncertainty about where my next mission would be. But I also experienced a rupture with the things I was certain about. Here, there is a lot of humanity and simplicity in the way people seek God,” he commented.
02/16/2025