MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Spring 2026
Kathy Bond and Flávio Rocha, Brazil
Dear Friends and Family,
Warm greetings from Brazil.
This year Maryknoll Missioners are celebrating fifty years in Brazil. (Kathy has been here for 32 years of the journey and Flavio joined MKLM 22 years ago). If you have ever wanted to come visit us and see our ministries along with the beautiful Brazilian culture up close, now is your chance. The Maryknoll Family (Fathers and Brothers, Sisters, Lay Missioners and Affiliates) are leading an 11-day immersion trip from July 11-22, 2026.
We invite you to experience a journey of encounter and immersion into the lives, culture, faith, and history of Brazilian communities in São Paulo and João Pessoa. This is also an opportunity to witness mission work that responds to the struggles and realities of Brazilians. You will learn more of how missioners strive to help create a more just and compassionate world while promoting active nonviolence and healing.
In João Pessoa, we will welcome you to our wonderful city on the northeastern coast. As part of the trip, the group will visit one of the ten public schools where we are teaching students and staff different tools to better manage anxiety. You will also get the chance to visit the AFYA Holistic Center where we have personally done ministry at for many years.
If you would like more information, check out this website link https://mklm.org/trips-brazil/
Flavio’s newest book reflects on his 20 years of utilizing Theater of the Oppressed to promote peace and nonviolence within communities.
From Flavio
Last month, I published my third book entitled Theater of the Oppressed: a history, some critiques and many paths (in Portuguese). The book is a result of more than twenty years of my work using Theatre of the Oppressed as a tool to promote nonviolence solutions. I continue my work presenting a play on violence against women in adult literacy program and poor communities around the region.
We are grateful for your prayers and financial support to help Maryknoll to celebrate these 50 years in Brazil and continue our mission for many more decades.
God Bless You,
Flavio and Kathy
Please consider supporting our mission work in João Pessoa with a donation through the link below.
We invite you to walk with us as our “COMPANIONS IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, visit Become a Companion in Mission. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Kathy Bond and Flávio José Rocha are Maryknoll lay missioners based in João Pessoa in northeastern Brazil.
