The sisters arrived in Gov. Mangabeira in 1970. Until the local parish was founded, they ran the parish as so-called parish sisters. Since the beginning of the mission in Gov. Mangabeira, the sisters have lived among the people in order to be present and to walk with the simple and poor people. It is interesting to note the way people measure time: they speak of Mangabeira before the Holy Cross Sisters and Mangabeira with the Holy Cross Sisters.
The three sisters currently living in Gov. Mangabeira work in very different areas. One sister works as a family, group and psychotherapist, and is also involved in pastoral work. She is also responsible for the diocesan training and further training of catechists. The second sister visits sick and elderly people and is involved in pastoral work. The third sister accompanies various parish groups.
The parish of Nossa Senhora da Conceição includes many small village communities in the wider area around Gov. Mangabeira. Here, too, the sisters work closely with the people.
