El padre Aurélio Aparecido Miranda, C.P., pertenece a la Provincia de la Exaltación de la Santa Cruz en Brasil y se desempeña como Consultor General de la Congregación Pasionista en Roma. Él observa muchas similitudes entre la cultura de su estado natal, Minas Gerais (Brasil), y el carisma pasionista.
El modo de abordar el sufrimiento es un ejemplo de ello.
«El sufrimiento humano suele entenderse a través de una lente redentora», explica el padre Aurélio. «Es común escuchar: “Estoy atravesando un problema, pero sé que, cuando lo supere, seré más fuerte”. El sufrimiento no se percibe como algo meramente destructivo, sino como una realidad capaz de educar, purificar y ayudar a la persona a madurar. Cuando nosotros, como sacerdotes, visitamos a los enfermos, a menudo somos testigos de esta concepción del sufrimiento como un tránsito; una realidad en la que el dolor no se niega, sino que se integra en un horizonte de esperanza y transformación».
«En Dios, somos una sola familia; una familia nacida del amor de un Dios que se entregó en la cruz para la salvación de todos.»
el P. Aurélio Aparecido Miranda, CP
La gente comprende la importancia de la comunidad, por lo que todo se comparte en el seno de la familia y de la comunidad misma, incluido el cuidado de los niños y de los ancianos.
«Existe un dicho en Brasil: “el amor sabe a casa de abuelos”, una expresión que transmite bellamente el valor de la memoria, el afecto y la vida intergeneracional», comparte el Padre Aurélio.
«Cabe afirmar que, en Brasil, el sentido de pertenencia —ya sea a la propia familia de sangre, a una comunidad religiosa o a una asociación voluntaria— es sumamente significativo. Parece ser una necesidad intrínseca pertenecer a algo o a alguien, y esto influye claramente en la espiritualidad, en la vivencia de la fe, así como en la vida familiar y religiosa».
Los Pasionistas comparten esta celebración de la comunidad.
«El carisma pasionista afirma e intensifica este atributo cultural. Los pasionistas dan testimonio de que pertenecemos, ante todo, a Dios, quien establece una alianza con nosotros como hermanos y hermanas», afirma el Padre Aurélio.
«En Dios, somos una sola familia; una familia nacida del amor de un Dios que se entregó en la cruz para la salvación de todos. Vivir el carisma pasionista, por tanto, consiste en reconocernos redimidos por Cristo en su Pasión y Cruz, y en abrazar conscientemente nuestra pertenencia a un mismo cuerpo: la comunidad de aquellos que son amados, reconciliados y salvados en Cristo».
En la cultura brasileña, el amor no solo se verbaliza, sino que se vive. Las personas de otras culturas se maravillan ante la amplitud de las expresiones de amor presentes en esta cultura.
«[V]ivir el carisma pasionista en la vida diaria significa transformar la contemplación de la Pasión en acciones sencillas, pero significativas, a través de las cuales la fe se hace visible en el cuidado concreto de una vida herida».
el P. Aurélio Aparecido Miranda, CP
«Podemos afirmar que, en Brasil, el amor se expresa no solo a través de las palabras, sino especialmente mediante el cuidado, el afecto y las sonrisas. Es un amor que se convierte en presencia, cercanía y atención hacia el otro», explica el Padre Aurélio.
«En este contexto, la conexión con el carisma pasionista resulta especialmente profunda. San Pablo de la Cruz enseñó que, en la frente de los pobres —y podríamos añadir también en la de aquellos que sufren—, está escrito el nombre de Cristo Crucificado. Asimismo, nos recuerda que la Pasión de Cristo es, a la vez, un mar de dolor y un mar de amor. Vivir el carisma pasionista significa, por tanto, amar a quien se tiene cerca. Es un amor que no se limita a ser un mero sentimiento interior, sino que se transforma en gesto, presencia y entrega concreta junto a quienes sufren».
En la cultura brasileña —al igual que en el carisma pasionista— existe la convicción de que recordar a Cristo Crucificado no termina en la mera contemplación.
«En la cultura brasileña, no existe una separación estricta entre contemplar a Cristo Crucificado y cuidar de aquellos que hoy están crucificados. Estas dos actitudes van de la mano y se expresan, especialmente, en los gestos sencillos de la vida cotidiana», comparte el Padre Aurélio. «Resulta muy natural ayudar a una persona mayor a cruzar la calle, ofrecer un sándwich a alguien que tiene hambre o escuchar con atención a quien carga con un sufrimiento silencioso.
Para nosotros, cuidar de quienes sufren es, de un modo muy concreto, cuidar del propio Cristo Crucificado. La religión se manifiesta menos a través de actos litúrgicos aislados y más mediante gestos humanos de solidaridad, cercanía y compasión. En este sentido, vivir el carisma pasionista en la vida diaria significa transformar la contemplación de la Pasión en acciones sencillas, pero significativas, a través de las cuales la fe se hace visible en el cuidado concreto de una vida herida».
This transcript has been prepared for clarity, accessibility, searchability and readability, though minor variations from the original video may occur.
Suffering, Faith and Culture in Brazil
Brazil is a vast and multicultural country, shaped by many different peoples, climates and histories. Because of this, there is not just one way of understanding suffering, but many perspectives depending on region and cultural background.
In some areas, suffering is understood through a redemptive lens. People believe that going through hardship makes them stronger, helps them grow and deepens their understanding of themselves. Every experience of suffering carries meaning, whether it comes through illness, family struggles or work. It is seen as something that ultimately leads to growth.
In other regions, especially where life is more difficult due to climate or poverty, suffering is viewed more as something to carry, like a cross. People endure it with strength and resilience, even without fully knowing where it will lead.
Across Brazil, however, there is a shared spirit of resilience. Even in hardship, people continue forward with hope. As Passionists, this resonates deeply with the meaning of the cross. Jesus suffered, but his suffering was not the end. The cross does not have the final word, Christ does. This gives meaning to suffering and calls us to accompany those who suffer today.
Family and Belonging
Family is central to Brazilian life. It is not limited to blood relationships but often extends to friends and neighbors. There is a strong sense of belonging and mutual care.
Helping one another is natural. If someone needs help fixing something, others come, even if they do not know how, they try. If one person cannot help, they will find someone who can. This sense of community is deeply rooted and shapes how people live their faith.
Living alone is uncommon, especially at a young age. Family life remains closely connected across generations, and even small traditions, like sharing meals or remembering grandparents’ cooking, carry deep meaning.
The Passionist charism affirms this strongly. It reminds people that they belong not only to their families but also to God and to one another as brothers and sisters. It deepens the understanding that love sometimes involves sacrifice, just as Christ gave himself on the cross.
Community and Solidarity
Brazilian culture is deeply communal. Identity is shaped not only by the individual but by relationships and shared life. Even parishes are often described as “family.”
Solidarity is lived in simple, everyday ways. Offering help to a stranger, sharing food, assisting the elderly or supporting someone in need are common practices. These gestures reflect a deeper belief, that the suffering of another could easily be one’s own.
This awareness is shaped by the reality of inequality. In many places, wealth and poverty exist side by side. As a result, compassion and action become essential parts of daily life.
For Passionists, this is a natural expression of faith. To contemplate Christ crucified means also to recognize and serve those who are suffering today. Prayer and action are inseparable.
Authority and Authenticity
In Brazil, attitudes toward authority are changing. In the past, authority figures were respected automatically. Today, respect is earned through authenticity and integrity.
People expect leaders, including priests, to live what they preach. When they do, they are respected. When they do not, trust is lost. This shift can be challenging, especially in a culture shaped by social media and constant visibility.
The Passionist charism offers a response rooted in compassion and mercy. It reminds us that no one is perfect and that all people, including leaders, make mistakes. True authority is not about perfection but about sincerity, humility and service.
en la perfección, sino en la sinceridad, la humildad y el servicio.
Caring for the Elderly
Caring for elderly family members is deeply valued in Brazil. Whenever possible, families prefer to care for their elders at home rather than placing them in institutions.
Even when professional care is needed, there is often a sense of sadness because what elders most desire is the presence of family. Being cared for physically is important, but emotional and relational connection matters just as much.
The Passionist spirituality of presence speaks powerfully here. Simply being with someone, listening, holding their hand and offering companionship can be a profound expression of love. Like those who stood at the foot of the cross, presence itself becomes a ministry.
Expressing Love
Love in Brazilian culture is expressed openly and physically. Hugs, touch and gestures of care are natural and meaningful ways of showing affection.
Hospitality is another key expression of love. Welcoming others with food and warmth communicates belonging and acceptance. These actions reflect a lived faith, not just something internal but something embodied.
This aligns closely with the example of Jesus, who not only spoke of love but demonstrated it through touch, healing and presence. The Passionist charism encourages this same outward expression of love in daily life.
Faith in Daily Life
Brazil is a deeply religious country, though not limited to one tradition. Many different faiths coexist, and there is a general belief that God is with people, not against them.
Religious practices are especially strong during Holy Week, which is one of the most significant times of the year. Processions, prayers and communal celebrations draw people together, even those from different faith backgrounds.
The message of Christ crucified resonates widely because it speaks of love, sacrifice and redemption, themes that transcend denominational boundaries.
Hope Beyond Death
Most Brazilians believe in life after death, particularly in resurrection and eternal life. This belief provides comfort and hope, especially in times of suffering.
The Passionist focus on the cross and resurrection reinforces this hope. Death is not the end, and suffering is not meaningless. Christ’s resurrection is a promise of what is to come.
A Cultural Challenge: Avoiding Suffering
One growing challenge in modern culture is the desire to avoid suffering entirely and pursue only comfort and pleasure. Influenced by social media and idealized lifestyles, many young people struggle when faced with real hardship.
The Passionist charism offers a powerful alternative. It teaches that suffering is not something to be avoided at all costs but something that can lead to growth, transformation and deeper love.
Christ did not avoid suffering. He embraced it for the sake of others. This becomes a model for a meaningful and fulfilled life.
Faith in Action
In Brazil, faith is lived concretely. Contemplating Christ leads directly to action. Helping the poor, supporting those in need and sharing resources are natural expressions of belief.
Even small gestures, offering food, helping someone in need or simply being present, are seen as living out the Gospel.
As one saying expresses it, “If we do not have bread, let us be bread for others.” Presence, compassion and solidarity become the way faith is made real.
A Living Experience of the Cross
The Passionist charism in Brazil is not only a spiritual reflection but a lived experience. The cross is not distant or abstract. It is present in everyday life, in personal struggles and in the suffering of others.
To follow Christ means to live with him in both suffering and hope, not only in prayer but in action. It is a call to accompany, to serve and to love in real and tangible ways.
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