“We sleep near the 30,000 people who end up sleeping on the streets of Sao Paulo. The inmates of the street increase every day. Most of them are women and children.” Julio Lancelotti provides a ‘cross section’ of the social anarchy experienced in Brazil’s largest city. At the age of 72, he became a dependent of the starving poor there. Just as Christ divided Himself and became bread, so this priest becomes the bread before the hungry for the needy and the poor.
A Day of Fr. Julio
Fr. Julio’s work for the poor dates back to his childhood. His father worked for a social work organization that helps minors. As a result, baby Julio had the opportunity to interact closely with such children.
“The authorities’ grievances against the poor still hurt me,” he says.
Every morning, wearing a white coat, near the St. Michael parish of Moocca, he waits for his people with chariot of food and masks. There are many orphans and homeless people come with prayers. None of them forget to express their heartfelt thanks to God and to this priest through their prayer.
About 500 homeless people come there for breakfast. Sometimes it will be their total meal for the day. Their hopeful eyes that make them want to bring this priest there the next day as well.
When he has distributed the last loaf of bread in his possession, he returns, accepting donations from others for his poor.
When Pope Francis Rang Up
On October 10, 2020, Pope Francis spoke to Julio by phone.
“Talking to Pope Francis on the phone was a very emotional moment. He told me, ‘Live with the poor like Jesus,'” says Fr. Julio.
The priest pays special attention to the health of those who live on the streets and to find a home of their own. Many see Jesus in this priest who dedicated his life to the poor.