I was brought up in a Catholic family, and my parents used to take part in various pastoral activities in the Church. As a Christian I followed their teachings and joined various youth movements. Between the ages of nine and 15 I was part of a choir group called “The Canaries” (Coral dos Canarinhos) in Petrópolis, and even sang for the Pope in Rome.

I studied physiotherapy since my heart prompted me to help others. During the course I had the opportunity of meeting a Brother of the Hospitaller Order of St John of God who invited me to visit the Order’s old people’s home.  It was love at first sight. Soon after, the Brother in question invited me to join that beautiful family. At the age of 21 I started there as a clerical assistant, charged with various tasks including making payments at the bank, driving the old people’s minibus, filing documents, making purchases, etc. 

As the years went by, something told me that God had a plan for me in that Home. From my very first day there, the charism of the centre fascinated me and, for my part, I always tried to do my best. In time I became more expert at my job while the Home, on its side, acknowledged my efforts and gave me new responsibilities.

In 2010, I graduated in physiotherapy and immediately began a specialist, postgraduate course in business management.   In January 2012, I was asked to take over the Centre’s administration. It is something I find continuously stimulating and certainly gratifying.

"The St John of God Old People’s Home is my life, my home, my family and my communion with God."