The unification of provinces is a worldwide movement of the Daughters of Charity, and the merger of the provinces of Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte was pioneering in Brazil. The objective is to strengthen and improve services for those who most need the services of the Company: the poor.
The Province of the Daughters of Charity Louise de Marillac – Brazil is born with the mission of renewing and strengthening the Vincentian charism, responding with creativity and fidelity to the challenges of our time. United for the same purpose, the communities of the new Province are called to live in fraternity, sharing, and co-responsibility, broadening horizons and joining forces in favor of the mission.
The new Provincial Government took office on October 19, 2025, in a celebration held at the Provincial House in Tijuca (Rio). Sister Maria Célia Costa Sá is the Visitor for the next six years, and the new Provincial Director is Father Agnaldo Aparecido de Paula. Sister Rizomar Bonfim remains in the Bursar’s Office, and Sister Sandilene Maria de Souza Bocafoli is the new Secretary.
The new Council is composed of three Sisters from the capital of Minas Gerais and three others from the capital of Rio de Janeiro: Sister Maria Cristina d’Abruzzo, Sister Selma Aparecida dos Santos, Sister Maria Aparecida Cirico Maciel, Sister Shirley Santos Silva, Sister Jane Carla Gomes de Souza, and Sister Marcia Helena do Rosário Santos.
Inspired by the example of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac, the Sisters remain committed to serving the poorest of the poor, promoting human dignity, social justice, and integral care, especially among the most vulnerable populations.
With a keen eye on current needs and an open mind to change, the Luisa de Marillac Province of Brazil reaffirms its commitment to being a concrete sign of hope, faith, and charity, wherever the Vincentian presence is called to act.
