This year I was deeply privileged to spend Holy Week with homeless people in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais—an experience that was profoundly significant for me. In neighbourhoods marked by economic hardship, isolation, limited resources, and vulnerability, the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ are felt deeply. The suffering of Christ is embodied in those who are homeless here in Belo Horizonte, struggling with hunger, unemployment, injustice, discrimination, and uncertainty, all of which reflect the pain of the cross. Yet, despite these hardships, faith, resilience, and hope remain strong among the people here.
Moreover, spending Holy Week with homeless people helped illustrate a profound theological truth for me: Christ dwells among those who endure suffering. As the Gospel reminds us, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40).
On Thursday, this truth was exemplified through acts of humility, such as volunteers washing the feet of the homeless people, and then, in turn, they washing the volunteers’ feet, sharing a meal, offering a listening ear, or providing support to individuals in distress. This moment was filled with tears of joy, knowing that God is not abandoning those who struggle with homelessness.
During Holy Week, the Church’s engagement with the poor is more than symbolic; it is tangible and transformative. Through concrete acts such as distributing food, providing necessities and clothing, visiting the elderly and the sick and leading prayers, the Gospel message becomes real. The Via Sacra at Praça Rui Barbosa in BH reflected not only Jesus’ suffering but also the suffering of homeless people. Everyone actively participates, sharing stories, songs, and prayers, turning Jesus’ suffering into a living testament of compassion and solidarity.
The Resurrection, therefore, is not commemorated solely on Easter Sunday but is also anticipated in these acts of love and fraternity. It is manifested in the smiles of children, the gratitude of families, and the restored dignity of those who feel remembered and appreciated. The resurrected Jesus dwells among those who are homeless, providing protection for them on the streets.
Written by: Sch. Nelson Marques, SJ