Lily Thomson has been a Mathematics Teacher, Chaplain, Course Leader and Therapist. Retired now Lily is well known for her courses of Self Development. During regular visits to Brasil she helped develop pastoral teams who visit the sick and dying in Ermelino Matarazzo.

In February 1998 I accompanied a Justice and Peace group from my local church who visited a sister parish in São Paulo. The 2 Churches, (Saint Mary Mother of God, Hornchurch and Sao Francisco de Assis, Sao Paulo,) had made a Covenant of Friendship and Solidarity and the original focus was support for projects to help the poor living in Favellas and the Street Children. A 2 week visit to meet personally for fact finding and encouragement was arranged. I remained for 2 extra weeks to introduce/ share / and teach reiki; a gift to the Pastoral team as a tool to help those sick and dying of HIV. It touched my heart and I have returned 6 times since for periods of 2 or 3 months until 2011. Many others from our parish have visited and been enriched by the experience. I have now been invited to a special celebration to Honour Padre Ticao who for so long has inspired his parishioners to unite, work together, build community, build their own homes , campaign for and get rights to policing, education, training, health programmes, crèches and centres for street children of all ages, the handicapped, seniors etc. He has taught three generations to Dream and work towards that dream until it happens. In the 20 years I have been inspired by their determination to make things better for each other and those who come after. ***** The celebration is to give thanks for his 40 years of Dynamic Priesthood.******

I would like to revisit a place and community that means so much to me. Every time I went to help I was smothered in love, friendship, unity, laughter and fun while working together with determination to go forward into a better future. Always returned enriched. Enjoy reading my story. Love and hugs to you all. Lily x

Lily's website find more information here

Please know that any funds I do not use will be given to Padre Ticao to assign to a project of his choice. I thank you for your interest, support, financial help, good wishes, reiki and best of all prayer for the journey. I travel on June 5th to arrive on June 6th.