SNJM Sisters Learn About the Struggles of Brazilian Communities

Julie Tétreault

Sometimes a simple demonstration can bring a distant reality to life. During a presentation of the annual Share Lent campaign of Development and Peace — Caritas Canada (DPCC), Julie Tétreault, an SNJM co-worker, captured the audience’s attention in a striking way.

Wearing a mask to symbolize poor air quality, she played the deafening sound of a train passing every 30 minutes in certain Brazilian communities. The noise, which startled many Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) present, illustrated the extremely difficult living conditions faced by populations whose villages are crossed by the Carajás Railway.

A Campaign in Solidarity with Affected Communities

This year, the Share Lent campaign supports Justiça nos Trilhos (Justice on the Rails – JnT), a partner organization that accompanies communities affected by the Carajás Railway.

This railway connects the largest open-pit iron mine in the world, located in the state of Pará, to the port of São Luís in the state of Maranhão. Along its route, it passes through many villages where living conditions have become increasingly difficult.

Local populations must cope with several challenges:

the constant, overwhelming noise of passing trains;
iron ore dust that seeps into homes;
pollution and vibrations that weaken houses;
safety concerns and the difficulty of crossing the railway tracks.

On the Path of Justice

Under the theme “On the Path of Justice,” the campaign highlights a concrete achievement after more than 20 years of mobilization. Thanks to the work of Justiça nos Trilhos, 312 families — about 1,300 people — have been relocated to a new village called Piquiá da Conquista, away from industrial facilities that were harming their health and quality of life.

As Flavia, a 31-year-old community leader from Piquiá da Conquista, explains:

“At times I wanted to give up, but my family told me: ‘You must continue.’ With the Comboni missionaries, we learned that the struggle is difficult. Despite our suffering, the relocation to Piquiá da Conquista has been a great source of joy for us. It is also an inspiration for other communities.”

Other Environmental Challenges

The difficulties faced by these communities go beyond the transport of iron ore. The expansion of industrial agriculture, particularly soy monoculture, involves the heavy use of pesticides that contaminate homes, fruit trees, and animals.

In addition, the intensive cultivation of eucalyptus depletes soil quality and requires the constant transportation of timber by truck along unpaved roads, creating further environmental and health impacts for local communities.

A Presentation Marked by Powerful Symbols

After attending a training session and webinar organized by Development and Peace, Julie Tétreault prepared a visual presentation using several symbolic elements: a train, railway tracks, a cement mixer, seeds, an empty basket, and a mask.

She also shared campaign materials, including the prayer card and mini-magazine, inviting the Sisters to learn more about the realities experienced by these communities.

A Gesture of Solidarity

In support of the campaign, the SNJMs of Quebec, in addition to making personal donations, will participate in a silent hunger supper on March 26. The symbolic meal — consisting of bread, a piece of cheese, and water — is intended as a gesture of solidarity with those living in precarious conditions.

For Julie Tétreault, this annual gathering remains a meaningful moment:

“The Share Lent presentation is always a wonderful opportunity for dialogue and awareness with the sisters.”

As Pope Leo XIV reminds us:

“Justice becomes concrete when it reaches out to others, when each person is given their due, until equality in dignity and opportunity among human beings is achieved.”