Indigenous peoples of Brazil face an ongoing struggle for recognition, land and survival. Despite being the original stewards of the land, many are displaced from their ancestral territories, their cultures marginalized and their rights neglected.
Environmental degradation and limited governmental support further compound these challenges, as public policies continue to favor development over land preservation. And as these communities suffer, the effects ripple outward— threatening whole ecosystems and ancient cultural heritages.
Within contexts like this, a backbone of support can make all the difference. And for the Sisters of the Holy Cross, this means not only advocating for these communities but offering an unwavering presence as these groups seek justice for themselves, their ancestors, and the Earth.
Empowerment through land and voice
In Guarulhos, the land offers a powerful example of renewal and progress. In a village home to 32 families—including those of the Pankararú, Guajajara, Timbira and Kaimbé tribes—the community has nurtured the soil of a former landfill back to life. Reviving land rooted in Indigenous heritage, new plant growth, recovered springs, and the rhythm of community life now mark the landscape.
“A region once considered lifeless was revived by the spirits and the hands of the Indigenous people who sowed not only the land but also their own history,” says Sister Elizangela Matos dos Santos, CSC.
For years, Holy Cross Sisters Elizangela and Michael Mary (Nolan) have accompanied similar journeys. In solidarity with Indigenous peoples of Brazil, they support and advise efforts to reclaim ancestral land, strengthen cultural identity and build sustainable futures.
Sister Elizangela, a social worker, regularly visits the Guarulhos community, offering a listening presence while learning from their lived experiences. Alongside Sister Michael, the two sisters also engage in conversations on sustainable development and integral ecology—a concept that recognizes that environmental, social, economic, cultural and ethical issues are interconnected.
“For indigenous peoples of Brazil, the important thing to note is, land does not have an economic value. Their relationship with land is a part of their spirituality, and they need contact with Mother Earth.”
— Michael Mary (Nolan), CSC
At the same time, advocacy strengthens that presence. With decades of experience as an attorney, Sister Michael brings a different lens to the community. Having long defended Indigenous peoples in land-related conflicts, she extends her expertise in helping the community members understand and advocate for their rights.
“We accompany them with meetings, talking about the problems they have, and help them organize themselves,” Sister Michael says. “What happens is your ministry accompanies the changes in reality, and the changes in the reality of the people.”
Caring for creation, sustaining life
As the community grows, so does its needs—and the first priority is environmental stewardship.
“For indigenous peoples of Brazil, the important thing to note is, land does not have an economic value,” Sister Michael explains. “Their relationship with land is a part of their spirituality, and they need contact with Mother Earth.”
In collaboration with the Indigenous Missionary Council (CIMI), the sisters have helped advance projects in the Guarulhos village that reflect a shared commitment to caring for creation. One such effort was the construction of sustainable bathrooms designed to protect the soil and surrounding environment.
The sisters are also supporting the restoration of eight natural springs, laying the groundwork for a reliable, community-managed clean water system.
“For Indigenous peoples, land is a connection, a responsibility and a continuity,” Sister Elizangela reflected. “These communities call upon us to recognize that these ways of life are not merely tradition, but powerful resources for confronting a world where environmental degradation has become the norm.”
Hope rooted in solidarity
Challenges remain—yet the work in Guarulhos offers a powerful sign of hope.
Through a quiet but powerful witness, Sisters of the Holy Cross continue to live their mission with others, affirming life in all its forms. And in commitment to places like Guarulhos, that mission becomes visible: uplifting human dignity and the sacredness of the Earth we all call home.