During this week, the Brazil São Paulo Province experienced a historical and deeply meaningful moment with the hosting of the First Social Conferences of the Social Apostolate of the BSP Province – 2026. More than just a training event, they became a true space for memory, reflection, communion, and commitment to the Dehonian mission in the social field.
The Social Cause from a Dehonian Perspective
Inspired by the theme “The Social Cause from a Dehonian Perspective – History and Relevance,” these conferences helped us reconnect with an essential dimension of the charisma left by our founder, Father John Leo Dehon: the commitment to “Build the Reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in souls and in societies.” This expression, so powerful and current, reminds us that the spirituality of the Heart of Jesus is not limited to the interior life, but unfolds into concrete deeds of love, reparation, justice, care, and the promotion of human dignity.
The Biblical Inspiration
The biblical inspiration that illuminated this path was the Gospel of Luke: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor” (Lk 4:18). This Word reminds us that the mission of the Church and the Congregation cannot be separated from the reality of the poor, the little ones, the vulnerable, and all those who await concrete signs of hope. Therefore, to speak of the Social Apostolate is to speak of true fidelity to the Gospel and to the Dehonian charisma.
A Project Linked to the Social Apostolate
The Social Conferences were also born as a concrete response to the Government Plan of the BSP Province, particularly regarding projects linked to the Social Apostolate: Training for the Social Apostolate and the Accompaniment of Social Works. In this perspective, they sought to offer a common training, strengthen the charismatic identity, and foster an integrated language among religious, seminarians in formation (formands), laity, communities, parishes, and social works.
The Conferences in Question
Throughout the meetings, it was possible to revisit Father Dehon’s social journey, to better understand the foundations of his sensitivity toward the social issues of his time, and to perceive how this heritage remains alive in our current realities. Reflection on Father Dehon’s socio-educational thought helped us understand that Dehonian social action cannot be improvised. It must be born from spirituality, dialogue with reality, respect legislation, organize itself responsibly, and seek sustainable paths for transformation.
Some Social Works of the BSP Province
Another important point was the presentation of the social works of the BSP Province, specifically the experience of the Instituto Meninos de São Judas Tadeu (IMSJT) and the Fazendinha Padre Israel work. These works express, in different ways, the presence of the Heart of Jesus alongside children, adolescents, young people, adults, and families in situations of vulnerability. They reveal that the Dehonian charisma remains fruitful when it translates into hospitality, education, work, spirituality, protection, care, human formation, and the promotion of life.
The contributions on structuring a socio-educational organization in Brazil were also of great importance. In a context marked by legal requirements, certifications, qualified management, fundraising, and dialogue with public policies, it becomes indispensable for our social initiatives to be well-founded, organized, and accompanied. Charity, when enlightened by responsibility, becomes even more effective and transformative.
The Social Apostolate: A Common Mission
The hosting of these conferences strengthened the spirit of Sint Unum among us, making us realize that the Social Apostolate does not belong only to a specific work or group, but is the mission of the entire BSP Province. We are called to walk together, with the same heart, the same inspiration, and the same desire to serve.
We close this moment with gratitude to God, the speakers, the religious, the laity, and everyone who participated. May these First Social Conferences continue to resonate in our Province as a call to creative fidelity to the Dehonian charisma. May the Heart of Jesus inspire us to overcome all indifference and to renew our commitment to a charismatic, structured, and deeply evangelical social action.
To Go Deeper…
The Dehonian Charisma in action must continue to generate life, communion, and hope. We invite everyone to visit the official page of the BSP Province (link below) to read the e-book, rewatch the videos, and delve deeper into the content. Support this cause by sharing the link and materials with your contacts and within your communities.
Fraternally, may God bless us and protect us on this journey and mission.
Official Website https://www.dehonianos.org.br/conferencias-sociais-2026/
Watch on YouTube – Playlist
Organization members of the First Social Conferences:
- Fr. Cristiano Francisco de Assis, SCJ – Director of IMSJT
- Fr. Everton dos Santos Carvalho, SCJ – Vice-director of IMSJT
- Fr. Vitor de Jesus Nascimento, SCJ – Director of Fazendinha Pe. Israel
- Fr. José Ronaldo de Castro Gouvêa – Communications Advisor – BSP Province
