Initially destined for a mission in Mozambique, which is experiencing a serious political and social crisis, the religious figure was sent to Brazil while awaiting the procedures for his transfer to Africa. During the last three months, Tomas Esquerdo, sscc, a 26-year-old Spaniard, spent time studying the language and learning about the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Brazil.

In addition to Portuguese, he gained a strong connection with local realities through his charisma and open communication. While here, Brother Tomás visited the Jequitinhonha Valley (Pedra Azul, Águas Vermelhas and Divisa Alegre), the missions in Rio de Janeiro (Tijuca and Campo Grande), the formation house in São Paulo (Pindamonhangaba) and in the Alto Paranaíba region of Minas Gerais (Patrocínio and Romaria).

It was within the religious community of Belo Horizonte that he lived and further explored, participating in various social works. This intense period was characterized by a particular connection with the Cause for Canonization, Social Action, and the devotees of Blessed Father Eustáquio.

Brother Tomas said that he takes away from Brazil the memory of a welcoming people. He highlighted that the religiosity of Brazilians and their living of the Word of God were the things that most caught his attention. “I had a profound experience of encountering God through prayer, even while uncertain about where my next mission would be. But I experienced a break with the things I was certain about. Here, there is so much humanity and simplicity in the way people seek God.”, he commented.