THE INDIAN CARAVAN IN BRAZIL! Part Dois


 May 30 - June 2

And so ended our trip to Rio. That evening, we travelled to Ubatuba where we were to spend three beautiful days, soaking in the sun, going on an absolutely sensational boat ride and our first view of the legendary island that Msgr Joao would swim to daily from the retreat house Stella Maris in order to strengthen his leg muscles. 

We arrived late at night after a meal at a restaurant and were assigned our rooms. This time it was only Cecy and me in the room, as Kiara wanted to be with her cousins. 

 













June 2

We travelled back to Sao Paulo, reaching late at night. Back in our rooms, we unpacked and settled for the night. 

June 3
Early the next morning, we left for Sao Pedro, a First Order Seat where young aspirants live. Bro Amish took us around to show us the facilities. 







In the afternoon, after a sumptuous lunch at Sao Judas parish, we left for the arduous journey up the hill to Lumen Prophetae, the seminary  for the First Order of the Heralds of the Gospel. After a tour of the seminary led by Fr Joshua, we entered the Perpetual chapel where Masses are celebrated around the clock. For the first time, we saw how this is done. As one priest exits, another one is already entering. We were privileged to have our very own Indian priest Fr Cyril Avinash celebrate Mass especially for us in English. 



Fr Joshua also took us to see the kitchen and gave us a beautiful basket of liqueurs, cheese, smoked ham, beer - all made by the inmates of Lumen Prophetae. 




We were privileged to see the monks pray the Vespers and go in procession to the refractory for their last meal of the day. 

June 4

I got up excited because it was shopping day finally! I think all the women in our group probably had the same level of expectancy as me. 

After breakfast, we travelled to Aura Prophetarum, the warehouse unit of the Heralds. Here, they craft the marble, the glass panes, the habits and boots and the creme de la creme - PROVEDORIA. We were pleasantly surprised to see Fr Joshua again. He took us to all the units. Forgot to mention - we went first to the mailing unit and saw how the pamphlets, calendars, magazines, etc are prepared and dispatched. 






















And then we lightened our purses at the Provedoria. 




In the afternoon, we visited Bela Vista and Turris Eburnea, both First Order Seats. I received an answer to my prayer! 








June 5
The day dawned and we headed for the city to visit the Consolacao cemetery where the tombs of our Founders Dr Plinio and his mother Dona Lucilia are, besides other Heralds like Irma Livia, Fr Walmir, etc. But first, we dropped in at Sao Bento, the first Seat of the First Order. This is where it all began. We were treading holy ground! Bro Jerome took us around, pointing out the details and we got to see the refractory and also were permitted (as is the tradition) to take one stone from the gravelled pathway where Msgr Joao and the first Heralds community marched. 




















After lunch at a restaurant, we proceeded to the cemetery. I was hell bent on getting Dona Lucilia a peach rose as I had heard that she loved it when it was once presented to her by Msgr Joao. But alas! There were no vendors nearby so I was saddened. 

The sisters however had carried pink and red roses which they touched to the tomb of Dona Lucilia and then gave each one of us one rose to take home. It is said that the petals from her tomb are miraculous. 


















We also had time to visit the Pobreza where Sr Regina serves and our group bought some items from there (I don't think I bought anything here). 






June 6

We visited Contemplacao Marial in the morning and the Sacred Heart Chapel in the evening as it was First Friday. For lunch, we went to a posh Portuguese restaurant. Our most expensive meal! I personally didn't like it, too bland!










June 7

First Saturday! The most eagerly awaited event was about to unfold. We reached Tabor by 9 am and the church was already packed to the gills. Locals from all over Sao Paulo had come to participate in the Coronation procession of Nossa Senhora. So this day, you will not see many religious in the pews. 

Link to the cortege here
https://youtu.be/2yc6j8OyNGs?si=oewg8BDgWRdmuZo2




After lunch at the restaurant, we proceeded to Mater Castisimma to see the place, guided by Sr Isabella Dunn. We had dinner and returned home.





June 8

Sunday! We headed to St Ines chapel for Mass and lunch at the stalls there. We watched the children practice for the upcoming Sao Joao festival at the Maypole. 



We returned home and, in the evening, we visited another Seat called Santa Beatriz. We had dinner there. I was delighted to see Maria Bambino in their chapel altar. 


June 9-11

To commemorate Bro Amish on his birthday (13 June), the pilgrimage group garnered forces and spices to cook an authentic Indian meal. Here's what we dished up! Viva Força Goa!!








And then began the great home returning routine of packing, repacking, shoving, rearranging and finally setting up the line of suitcases to move out on the way to the airport on 11 June (One family had already left on 8 June). 11 pairs of Heralds boots had to go back to India in those line of suitcases!!



And Fr Joshua made his final appearance to see his dear parents off. Maybe for the last time, God knows best! 


And before I bid adieu, I leave you the link to Part Uno of this Blog post

https://aurrsa56.blogspot.com/2025/07/xx-congress-july-2025.html

















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