United in Heart and Prayer

MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Fall 2026

Joanne Blaney, BRAZIL 

The Maryknoll Brazil Community of 2025

Dear family and friends,

This year we celebrate two milestones: 50 years of the Maryknoll Brazil Mission Community and my own 30 years as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner. Together with Brazilians, we give thanks for the divine grace that brought us this far. We give thanks to our Brazilian sisters and brothers who welcomed us and taught us so much about compassion, community, and solidarity. We walk in faith!

On my first day in Brazil, 30 years ago, I met Edina Maciel, a working mother of four children who was cooking at the Maryknoll center house. She welcomed so many Maryknollers who came to São Paulo and, through her example and spirit of solidarity, had a great influence on us. She is our friend and partner.

At the 50th Anniversary Jubilee, Edina spoke about the mission: “The work of Maryknoll is very important, because they bring us new knowledge and skills and help shape our lives and consciences. It was Maryknoll who helped me get to where I am. I am forever grateful.”

Edina is today a Restorative Justice Circle facilitator and leader in the Prison Ministry Pastoral. I continue to work alongside her with women in prison. In our restorative justice circles, we see how transformative encounters take place when people participate in a safe space where they feel respected and valued. The women share their stories, express emotions, practice nonviolent communication and reflect on difficult issues. A sense of hope and belonging emerges as solidarity and community are built among them.

Rosa, an elderly Chilean woman, participated with us and for the first two meetings cried the entire time. The other women could not understand her mixture of Spanish and Portuguese, and the prison staff said she was always confused. As the weeks went on, Rosa shared her story. She and her son had suffered terrible domestic violence for years. Her son eventually fled and later contacted her to join him in Brazil. Rosa entered into a deal to pay for her passage and was arrested at the airport upon arrival.

One day, a remarkable surprise happened. We were looking at mandalas so that each woman could design her own. Rosa closed her eyes and said she couldn’t see. Edina passed her glasses to Rosa and it was like a miracle. Rosa began reading the words and talking about the design and its colors. From that day on, she participated more actively in the group. This simple act of solidarity caused such a change in her life, and we all celebrated her new birth.

Edina is an example of a true missioner. She is there early in the morning when women are released from prison, with clothes, a snack, and transportation funds. She is empathetic and works to help the women build new lives away from violence. It is a privilege to accompany them together.

Thank you, Edina! Thank you, Rosa!

I continue to work with Restorative Justice circles and trainings of facilitators. It is a joy to see how a process of listening and giving voice to participants helps empower them to move forward in a nonviolent way with their lives.

Jesus tells us, “I came to bring life and life in abundance.” We are deeply grateful for your ongoing prayers and support. Let us walk together in mission, because the needs of our world are great.

United in heart and prayer,

Joanne

If you would like to donate to Maryknoll Lay Missioners and/or this Uganda project (tax-deductible donation) by check, please indicate Mission Account – Joanne Blaney, Uganda Fund on the check/donation and send it to Maryknoll Lay Missioners at MKLM, PO Box 307, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0307. Even a very small amount goes a long way.