Collaboration with the International Mission

Doris Miño Pérez, 18 years old, is a Bolivian Marist former student who has always shown an interest in social work since she was a child, especially in indigenous communities. Now, through the department of Collaboration for the International Mission (Cmi), she is in Brazil doing socio-educational pastoral work in the Champagnat Marist schools of Terra Vermelha and Nossa Senhora da Penha, in the State of Espírito Santo, where she will remain until December 2019.

The young woman, from the Province of Santa María de los Andes and daughter of Ecuadorian lay Marist parents , tells us what inspired her to become a volunteer:

"In order to be an international volunteer, I took part in retreats for leaders and talks with the Marist Brothers. I was also inspired by my parents and my sister Laura, who volunteered in Brazil, Africa and Chile. It was their example that motivated me. And as I grew, physically and spiritually, I felt God's call," recalls Doris, who, since March of this year, has been living in Terra Vermelha (Brazil) with the Marist family.

On her life experience in the new cultural setting, the young volunteer highlights the hospitality and affection of the Brazilian people, as well as the opportunity to contribute to the Marist Youth Ministry (MYM) and to interact with the students.

Doris took part in the Provincial Youth Day, held from 17 to 23 June, in Brazlândia (DF), where she was able to talk about her experience as a volunteer, visit the Central Office and get to know the administrative structure of the Marists of Centro-Norte and the city of Brasilia (FD).

"Before making this choice, it is essential to know our country. Volunteering involves creating links between cultures, learning and helping. Marist values involve divergence, humility, simplicity and modesty. It is also necessary to be oriented towards service and love of one's neighbour", the young Marist pointed out.