Joana Mendes

Joana Mendes, Brazilian, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester in January 1984.  She is a social worker and dedicates her time to supporting citizen participation in local health councils. She is a pastoral agent and works as a translator for other congregations.  She lives in community with Maureen Finn and three other Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester, near the state capitol, Goiania, Goias, Brazil.

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A woman and child walk past a painting on a wall March 12 in Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 pandemic. (CNS/Reuters/Pilar Olivares)

'A dose of hope': Helping the vaccination effort in Brazil

Every day we hear of someone who is sick or has died from COVID-19. That's why the two of us— who live in the city of Goiania in Brazil — are now contributing to the country's vaccination efforts.