The sound of trains running through the city of São Paulo has accompanied the daily lives of the city's residents for over twenty years. Mill Slum. Between the CPTM tracks and the ruins of an old wheat mill, one of the most symbolic communities in the capital of São Paulo grew up — marked by abandonment, resistance and faith. It was there that the Alliance of Mercy set its feet and its heart. Now, in the face of urban changes announced by the government, a cycle is coming to an end: after more than two decades of active presence, the Alliance says goodbye to the activities it maintained in the community.

The decision comes after the announcement of the evacuation of the favela, made by the State Government in September 2024. According to the project, the area will make way for the Mill Park, an urban redevelopment initiative that involves the complete removal of homes. Since then, families have been receiving compensation and are gradually leaving the area.

It all started with a “yes”

The mission of the Alliance of Mercy in the Moinho Favela began in the early 2000s, in a scenario of profound social vulnerability. The space was marked by the lack of basic infrastructure, the violation of rights and a harsh reality of poverty, violence and exclusion.

It was in this context that the first signs of hope emerged. From the constant presence of missionaries, projects were created that became a reference in the region: Chapel of Our Lady of Aparecida, where hundreds of people have been welcomed over the years, participating in celebrations, moments of prayer, baptisms and first communions; Saint Dominic Savio Oratory, with after-school activities that reached around 120 children and teenagers; and the São Miguel Arcanjo Early Childhood Education School, which welcomes about 100 children up to 6 years old of the community and the surrounding area.

Furthermore, currently, three missionaries of the Alliance They live in Moinho, maintaining the presence of the Church and close support for their families, especially at this time of transition.

Where many saw abandonment, faith sprang up

Over the years, the Alliance’s presence has become intertwined with the history of the residents of Moinho. In 2011, a massive fire destroyed much of the community, leaving hundreds of families homeless. The only building that survived the fire was the Chapel built by the Alliance, which remained intact, becoming yet another sign of faith for the people who fought there to start over.

At all times, the Alliance has walked alongside the people: organizing community outreach, distributing donations, celebrating the sacraments, monitoring cases of violence, and fighting for basic rights such as health, education, and documentation. The mission has never been merely about providing assistance: it has always been based on evangelization and the promotion of human dignity, in light of the Gospel and the Social Doctrine of the Church.

It's time to trust and start over

With the gradual departure of families and the expected end of the occupation, the Alliance decided to close the activities of the São Miguel Arcanjo Nursery School, considering the number of schools that serve this public in the region. The space will now be used for the transfer and continuity of the São Domingos Sávio Oratory.

In an official statement, the Social Director of the Alliance, Vanessa Santos Tinelli, explained the reasons:

“With the end of the Moinho Community, the chapel and the missionary house will no longer exist. The Oratory will be transferred to the current space of São Miguel, and as there are already other places with this early childhood education service in the region, we will stop doing so so that the Oratory can be installed in its place, continuing with after-school classes.”

Father Evandro Henrique Torlai, president of the Alliance of Mercy, also commented on the decision:

“We are closing one stage and beginning another. It was a time of great dedication and learning. We thank everyone who came by and helped us transform the lives of so many families with simple and concrete gestures. Now, we will continue wherever the Spirit leads us.”

Evangelize and stay with the people

Even with the closure of social activities, the Alliance's mission does not end. pastoral actions continue until the final phase of evacuation, accompanying the last families still living in the area and promoting moments of spirituality, such as Eucharistic celebrations on Saturdays.

The Church's testimony remains alive in the community's memory — not only through the structures built, but mainly through constant presence, through listening, welcoming and shared faith amidst the harshest realities.

The seed planted more than twenty years ago continues to germinate, not only in that territory, but also in the lives of hundreds of children, young people and families who have been touched by mercy.

When many come together, miracles happen: MIR at the Mill

Among the various initiatives promoted by the Alliance of Mercy in the Favela do Moinho, the following stands out: International Restore Me Campaign (MIR). Held annually, the MIR brings together missionaries, local and international volunteers, including participants from Poland, for a week of social and evangelizing actions.

During the MIR, activities such as renovations and painting of houses, cleaning, celebration of daily masses, evangelization with children, visits to tenements and actions to support inmates and homeless people were carried out. The 2024 edition took place from August 6 to 11, reinforcing the Alliance's commitment to the full restoration of the communities served.

The mission does not end: it bears fruit

Ending a mission does not mean putting an end to what was experienced. The presence of the Alliance in the Moinho Favela leaves its mark not only on the streets and buildings, but in the hearts of those who were accompanied, evangelized and loved throughout these more than twenty years.

We are immensely grateful to all who contributed to making this mission happen with so much love, competence and dedication. We remain confident that the One who began this work will continue to guide our steps with wisdom, providence and mercy!

“The work is God’s, and He will take care of each one.”