A DREAM BECOMES REALITY IN PIRES DO RIO
In 1960, next to the Carmela Dutra Maternity Hospital in Pires do Rio, Goiás, there was a building where soup was prepared to be distributed to the poor of the city. This was a significant part of the early mission of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor. Improvements to this building were gradually made since the area was built in stages. As a result more and better services were made available to the people. Later a social hall was built by masons and painters in training. This was subsidized by the former “PIPMO” (Laborers Intensive Formation Program). For more than thirty years this social hall was used for several activities with children – classes, formation gatherings, socializing.
  Sr. Madeline Marie Hill prepares and distributes soup for the children |
Though the builders were highly skilled, the social hall eventually developed serious structural problems that became more aggravated in the last five years and, in the opinion of at least two civil construction professionals, the structure was declared fragile.
Given this assessment, the situation was presented to some representatives of the local community. So we invested all our efforts in search of resources in Brazil to either restore it or to build a new unit. These efforts, however, were in vain.
 
Old building . . . inside the new social hall |
Since we could no longer use this hall to offer the various activities with the children, above all the cafeteria, we asked the leadership of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor for assistance. The Congregation was always aware of the various ministries developed in that house to serve the people of Pires do Rio: especially the programs for the promotion of the human person that were dedicated to unprotected children and adolescents. The Congregation gathered resources to build a new hall.
The inauguration of this new space occurred on October 8, 2009. Coincidentally, we celebrated the 49th Anniversary of the mission of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in Brazil, that serves the people of God and God’s Kingdom through the Congregational charism of “healing the wounds of Christ in poor and suffering humanity.”
  Eucharistic Celebration; Dom Guilherme does the aspergus. |
Dom Guilherme Antônio Werlang, MSF, the Diocesan Bishop of Ipameri, presided at the Eucharistic Celebration and the blessing of the new building. Many civil dignitaries were also present: Mr. Luís Eduardo Pitaluga da Cunha, Mayor of Pires do Rio and his wife, the former Mayor, Dr. Édio de Gregório and his wife, some of the pioneer founders of APAI* of Pires do Rio, Sisters from all our houses, Associates, and representatives of the city who graced with their presence, and friends. A highlight was the presence of Zacarias, who worked with and assisted Dom Bendito Coscia OFM, the former Bishop of Jataí. Dom Benedito was a parish priest in Pires do Rio when he invited the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor to initiate a mission in Brazil.
  Zacarias at the podium; Dom Bendito Coscia with Sr. Madeline Marie and Brazil president |
APAI and all of Pires do Rio are receiving great benefits from this new hall. We invite all of you to visit the space and we thank each person who has contributed toward its functioning. In a special way, our infinite gratitude goes to the leadership of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor, who has subsidized the fulfillment of this dream which, to our eyes, seemed impossible before.
Sister Tânia Maria Ribeiro Machado
President of APAI
* APAI is a ministry of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor for children and adolescents, which is incorporated in Pires do Rio, Brazil. Sr. Tania Maria serves as President.