On the morning of November 6, Moysés Azevedo, founder and general moderator of the Shalom Catholic Community, arrived in New York City, kicking off a series of visits to the Community’s missions across North America. Accompanied by his general assistant, Fr. Saulo Dantas, and the regional coordinator of Shalom for North America, Fr. Cristiano Pinheiro, Moysés will visit the Shalom missions in New York, Toronto,and Boston.
The first stop of the trip was the ‘Life Community’ house and the Shalom Evangelization Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he was warmly welcomed by the local community. Later that morning, Moysés and the Shalom missionaries in New York received a visit from The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, who joined the founder and missionaries for lunch and spent part of the afternoon in conversation and discernment with Moysés.
The meeting was marked by deep communion and a strong missionary spirit. Bishop Brennan expressed his affection and trust in the Shalom Community and emphasized his desire to continue collaborating with the Shalom Charism in one of the most youthful, dynamic, and strategic areas for evangelization in New York City.
“Bishop Brennan showed great affection and openness to our mission. He’s a shepherd with his heart in the mission — someone who supports the life and work of our Community and recognizes the fruits of the Shalom Charism here, especially among young people and young adults,” said Moysés, happy to witness the Community’s growth in the Big Apple and the fruits harvested over the first five years of its presence in the city.
The local coordinator of the Shalom Community in New York and regional head for Shalom in North America, Fr. Cristiano Pinheiro, highlighted the significance and grace of this moment:
“This visit is a moment of great grace and deep meaning for us. For the first time, our founder and spiritual father is visiting the missionary houses of Shalom across the North American continent. We want to welcome his words, insights, and guidance as a true spiritual treasure — so we can remain faithful to the mission entrusted to the Shalom Charism in this land and spread that grace throughout the whole country and continent. Moysés’ presence renews our hope and missionary zeal, and it’s beautiful to see how at home he feels among us, sharing in the joy of the fruits of these first five years of mission in New York,” he said.
Bárbara Freitas, a young missionary who serves as the Apostolic Coordinator of the New York mission and serves on the Regional Council as the facilitator for the evangelization efforts of Shalom missions across North America, and also shared her impressions:
“Moysés’ presence is another important step and a great grace for the inculturation of the Shalom Charism in North America. His visit helps us dream even bigger about evangelization and strengthens our desire to be true missionaries. We, missionaries and young people alike, are all very happy to welcome our founder.”
In the coming days, Moysés will remain in New York, meeting with ecclesial authorities, missionaries, and members of the Shalom Work. On Saturday, November 8, he will take part in the ‘Friendsgiving Festival’, an early celebration of the World Day of the Poor, which will take place in front of San Damiano Mission, located between the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods — home to the Shalom Community’s Evangelization Center in Brooklyn. At the end of the event and after Holy Mass, Moysés will share a reflection on the gift of charity, inspired by the new apostolic exhortation of Pope Leo XIV, Dilexi te.
On Tuesday, November 11, Moysés will travel to Toronto, Canada — Shalom’s first mission in North America, which is now nearing 25 years of presence — and beginning November 13, he will visit the Boston, USA mission, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025.
The highlight of the trip will be the 1st Shalom North America Congress, held November 15–16 in Boston. The event will bring together missionaries and members of the Shalom Work from across North America — with delegations from Boston, New York, Orlando, Toronto, Montreal, and other cities — in what promises to be a historic moment for the Community in the region.
📎 Registration and details: shalomcongress.eventbrite.com
“These days are a true grace for all of us. The Lord is allowing us to live a time of communion, listening, and missionary renewal. It’s beautiful to see the Shalom charism flourishing on North American soil, bringing the peace and joy of the Gospel to everyone,” concluded Moysés.
