With Project AFYA reaching more than 5,000 students in Brazil and EcoRetreats now being replicated in the United States, missioners Kathy Bond and Flavio Rocha report a year marked by expansion and impact. Their ministries continue to reduce school violence, strengthen emotional resilience, and inspire communities to reconnect with creation.
From Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ Golden Jubilee in New York to an eco-spirituality retreat in Ohio, missioners in Brazil Kathy Bond and Flávio Rocha share practices of peace, healing, and connection that nurture a more just and compassionate world.
Maryknoll Lay Missioners Kathy Bond and Flávio Rocha collaborate with local partners to bring healing, mindfulness, and hope to students and educators on the outskirts of João Pessoa.
Each year, Brazil celebrates Black Consciousness Day on Nov. 20. This year it became a national holiday observed to mark a regained awareness by the Afro-Brazilian community about their contribution to the country.
Kathy Bond and Flávio Rocha returned to their roots in different ways and facilitated retreats.
Kathy Bond and Flávio Rocha help school students and staff reduce anxiety and stress.
Kathy Bond and Flávio Rocha continue to lead holistic health trainings and retreats in new settings
Looking back at their journey, Kathy Bond marks 30 years and Flávio Rocha 20 as missioners in Brazil.
Kathy follows in the footsteps of St. Hildegard, and Flávio gives more ecoretreats.
Flávio Rocha and Kathy Bond continue to find creative ways to address the holistic health needs of their Brazilian community.
A women’s cooperative started by Maryknoll in Brazil provides support and livelihoods.
