13th National Seminar of the Murialdo Social Assistance Network: Putting Intentions into Practice

From August 14 to 16, 2026, Brasília hosted the 13th National Seminar of the Murialdo Social Assistance Network, led by Fr. Welton Andrade. With the theme “Transforming Intentions into Action,” the meeting brought together workers and representatives from the 13 social units located in 11 cities across 9 states in Brazil, which provide daily care and education to as many as 5,462 children, adolescents, and families.

The event opened with remarks by the Provincial Superior of the Josephites in Brazil, Fr. Lídio Roman, who recalled how the charism of St. Leonard is expressed in the concrete care for life and the defense of human dignity, citing the famous motto “ Ne perdantur—let no one be lost". A highlight of the opening was the panel discussion led by educator Stephany Monique and adolescents Maria Clara and Luciana, who spoke about the importance of youth leadership.

Notable among the educational presentations were those by the jurist and educator Angela Mendonça, which focused on the comprehensive protection of minors, and by the Secretary General of the Congregation, Fr. Victor Abreu, who explored “familiarity” as a style of presence, listening, and charismatic closeness. The Network’s new website and the formation platform, developed by Julio César Rodrigues, were also presented.

Using the symbolic metaphor of the gear—in which every piece is essential to the collective movement—the Assembly concluded its proceedings by drafting the Charter of Commitment(Charter of Commitment), a shared document that transforms these reflections into concrete guidelines for the future.

As the Assembly recalled, drawing on the words of the founder: “We are in God’s hands; we are in good hands.”