Charismatics

We visited a community of charismatics this week near Curitiba. They are led by Donna Maria and meet in her house that she shares with husband Jaon and their children. About fifteen adults and a dozen children crowded into the small living room singing songs, accompanied by a guitar and a keyboard. Prayers, testimony and a homily were followed by blessings from the three Anglican priests present. These are families living in extreme poverty; out of work and without food security or medical care. The young adults appear far older than their youth, their faces etched with worry and struggle. In the midst of this suffering, there is joy. They name it and proclaim it. Afterwards, Donna Maria invited us all into her kitchen where she served fresh baked bread, butter and jam, four kinds of cakes she had baked and coffee. Uncommon love and generosity.