San Paolo (Brazil). From 13 to 17 February 2026, during Carnival, two missionary groups, totaling 47 young people from Our Lady of Aparecida Province (BAP), left their hometowns to dedicate these days to service, fellowship, and the proclamation of the Gospel in the cities of Aparecida and Leme, both in the state of São Paulo. There, the missionaries experienced intense days of presence, service, and sharing in the local communities.
In a spirit of leadership, the Past Pupils of the schools of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Araras, São José dos Campos, Santo André, and Guaratinguetá, accompanied by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Sister Valentina Hurtado, Sister Maria Aparecida Lopes, and Sister Lucia Aparecida dos Santos, organized various activities aimed at the children, adolescents, and families of the communities.
In the morning, home visits allowed for greater closeness to the families, bringing words of hope, prayer, and attentive listening through contact with the families and their realities.
In the afternoon, the festive oratories brought together many children, adolescents, young adults, and adults, offering moments of recreation, spirituality, and fellowship. The evenings were also filled with moments of interaction and joy, prepared by the young missionaries themselves. Through dynamics, music, and community moments, the beauty of experiencing Carnival with awareness and commitment was expressed, demonstrating that true joy comes when we choose to love and serve.
During the experience, the missionaries reflected on the calling that stems from the Salesian Charism and the dream that continues to inspire generations, begun by Don Bosco and strengthened by the witness of Mother Mazzarello. It was a time to renew ideals, strengthen bonds, and rekindle their commitment to the mission with young people.
The days spent in Aparecida and Leme confirmed the alumni in the power of goodness and the transformation born of generous service. Carnival is now over, but the experience remains like a seed planted in the heart of every missionary and every community visited, as Past Pupils recount:
“This week has been very special and important for me. I could sense how everyone’s affection and attention towards the missionaries were true gestures of welcome, which made us feel part of a large family. It was wonderful to understand that we can share God not only with words, but also through our feelings, our attitudes, and the care offered with so much love. I emerge from this moment much more mature, with a heart filled with patience, solidarity, and fraternal affection. And, above all, with a greater attention to God and His presence in every detail” (Ana Carolina Silvério Fausto, Madre Mazzarello Institute in São Paulo).
“The mission was an incredible experience. It was wonderful to meet Past Pupils from other houses, with different experiences but the same essence, and to be able to relive it. From the beginning, the community welcomed us with great affection. We heard stories full of faith, unity, and hope that inspired us to be better beyond this celebration. Spending Carnival on mission was undoubtedly the best choice I could have made. I returned with a heart full of love, gratitude, and the desire to always do more.” (Mariana Mantovani, São José Institute of São José dos Campos)
“If I could sum up the Leme Alumni Carnival Week in one word, it would be: Love. God manifests Himself in simple things. Simplicity is the love we give and receive in a genuine exchange, whether in visits to families, in the smiles of children, or in the welcome of the entire community.” (Carlos Eduardo de Souza Laureano, Colégio Auxiliadora de Ribeirão Preto)
“Ever since I entered a Salesian school, the charism and the welcome have touched me deeply. When I began participating in the missions in 2022, my greatest dream was to serve in the city where I lived, in the neighborhood where I grew up. After four years of prayer, God chose the right time, the right people, and the perfect place to make one of my greatest dreams come true. During the four days of the mission, observing the place where I grew up and where I know most of the people, I was confirmed in how it is possible to transform lives in such a short time, bringing the Word of God and the affection we bring to our brothers and sisters. The feeling is one of gratitude, for having heard stories of great love and emotion. May we, Past Pupils, never forget that being Salesian is permanent within us and that we can make it flourish wherever we are and continue together.” (Maria Isabella Batista, Colégio do Carmo di Guaratinguetá)
Grateful for another year of missionary experience during this Carnival season, the Past Pupils returned to their communities and realities filled with new hope in the seeds sown and in the life given and shared.
Source: BAP Province
