Pastoral da Criança was born from a dream: save children. Passed 20 years, we see that this dream becomes a reality at each instant, in many places, reaching people from many races. It's a true divine kairós, making happen the reason of Jesus coming: "I came for that all have life and have it in abundance!" (Jo 10,10). The - national and international - recognition proves the efficiency of this Pastoral: several prizes, innumerous consecrations, gratefulness expressed in different ways. But, the main prize is to see the life present on thousand of children, saved by the efficient action developed by thousands of people, volunteers, spread by thousands of communities, that, with a lot of generosity, they face every sort of challenges, showing that it is possible to construct another possible world, where peace, solidarity, sharing are respected and defended.

Pastoral da Criança continues expanding. Pastoral da Criança Newspaper - January 2004 - at its first page says: "Pastoral da Criança in 2004 renovates its wish to continue expanding to other parishes and communities that still don't count with the leaders work at the basic actions of health, nutrition, peace and citizenship". That is a challenge, an invitation.

An important aspect that is present on Pastoral da Criança work is the ECUMENIC SPIRIT that marks all its acting. Treat of a true ecumenism, without proselytism, therefore, respectful and conscious. To know that ecumenism it is not to want to bring all to the catholic religion; to know that we must respect profoundly the faith convictions of each person; to know that it is necessary be convict of his/her own faith to be able to understand the other's faith; know to admire the religious manifestation different from his/her own conviction; to know, also, the Basic Actions - Health, Nutrition, Education and Citizenship - are not characteristics of this or that religious faith. Life is God's Wisdom given to all. We need to protect it at all its moments. And it is present at all religions.

I admire a lot the attitude of every volunteer: when assisting a child, a family, a pregnant women, they don't ask about their religious belief. They look, first of all, the life to be protected. And with a lot of creativity, they fight for that "they may have life in abundance". I think that this is the fraternity mystic.

An important thing for the healthy ecumenism: give testimonial of the unity among us. Thus, this the Lord's rule: That all be one! One at charity, respect, sharing and mutual collaboration.

Dom Oneres Marchiori
Lages (SC) Bishop
CNBB Inter - Religious Ecumenism and Dialogue Commission President

More information with Clóvis Boufleur, Lilian Cátia de Jesus
telephone: (+55041) 336-0250 or
E-mail: clovis@pastoraldacrianca.org.br e lilian@pastoraldacrianca.org.br

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