Last weekend, between the 10th and 12th of May, the Casa Restaura me in São Paulo held a spiritual retreat in Espírito Santo do Pinhal, a city located in the interior of São Paulo. The meeting was attended by approximately 50 homeless people, providing them with moments of prayer, coexistence and leisure. The activities were carefully planned to offer an environment of welcome and spiritual growth.

Saturday began with meditation, followed by moments of prayer and reflection on the word of God. Communion between participants was strengthened through group dynamics, preaching and sharing of experiences, providing a safe space for express emotions and search spiritual comfort. At the end of the day they participated in a special dinner, with a burger theme. The entire decoration was prepared with great care, in addition to a good live music performance.

On Sunday, the Holy Mass was marked by the sending of participants, some of whom were sent to rehabilitation clinics and shelters. The group can also enjoy a day of leisure at a farm provided by an Alliance benefactor, ending the event with moments of coexistence and gratitude.

The Alliance's Social Director, Vanessa Tinelli, expressed her gratitude to God and everyone involved in organizing the retreat, highlighting that the event was possible thanks to donations and generous support from the community. “God’s providential care was evident in every detail, from the preparation to the closing of the meeting”, he stated.

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Among the striking testimonies, a young man revealed how he arrived at the retreat in a moment of deep hopelessness, considering taking his own life. His journey to the retreat was a mystery to him, but throughout the encounter, he experienced God's love, feeling the emptiness within him disappear. Another young man, who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, said he experienced a profound process of healing and liberation, finding the strength to leave behind his old habits and start a new life. “This retreat was a miracle for me. I have found hope, and I am determined to follow God’s path.”, he shared, with a grateful smile.

Another moving testimony was that of a man who had difficulty communicating and smiling, but who during the days of the meeting rediscovered joy and the ability to interact with others. Small gestures, like smiling, became meaningful to him, highlighting the importance of every moment of happiness. Thus, the Casa Restaura-me retreat not only offered a break from the harsh reality of the streets, but also planted seeds of hope and transformation in lives