In defense of those who suffer injustice and in defense of the Amazon.

“Life comes first.”

On September 5, 2025, in the city of Santarém, in the state of Pará, Brazil, during Independence Day Week, an event called the Cry of the Excluded took place. This popular demonstration has been taking
place throughout Brazil since 1995. This year, in Santarém, the event aimed to fight for social justice and defend the Amazon. Social groups from different cultures, religious groups, indigenous groups, and others participated in this public event.

During the event, educational lectures, walks, dances, and public demonstrations were held. While walking along the city’s waterfront, people carried signs, spoke in defense of Indigenous people, Black people, and all those who in some way suffer from social exclusion. Along the route, lectures were also given in defense of the Amazon, denouncing the fires and deforestation. The Franciscan Sisters FCJM present in Brazil are involved in this struggle and support all types of defenses for integral ecology.

As pilgrims of hope, we are called to raise our voices against evil, injustice, and bring hope to a broken world. Caring for our common home is a daily struggle; defending human life, our biomes, God’s creation, is vital.

Written by Sr. Maria da Conceição FCJM and Sr. Jaqueline Sena FCJM

Translated by Sr. Aleunice Sousa de Lima FCJM