On the feast of Saint MonicaOn the feast of St. Monica, mother of St. Augustine and model of persevering faith, the Augustinian Recollects present the documentary film When I grow up I want to be a girl: a story of hope from LAR Santa Monica. Based on the testimony of Livia de Brito Kahla and Friar José Alberto Moreno, the work shows how this center in Fortaleza (Brazil) has become a true spiritual motherhood, offering care, protection and future to dozens of girls in vulnerable situations.
A true story to celebrate the feast of Santa Monica
On the feast of Saint Monicamother of St. Augustine, the Augustinian Recollect family wishes to pay homage to a work that embodies her spirit: LAR Santa Monica of Fortaleza (Brazil). LAR Saint Monica of Fortaleza (Brazil).. This year we present the documentary film When I grow up I want to be a girl: a story of hope from the LAR Santa Monica, produced by Raquel Bellagona, Remedios Alcaraz, Daniel Lerma y Alfonso Dávila. The piece gathers the moving testimony of Livia de Brito Kahlawho lived in first person the passage from a childhood marked by poverty to a future of hope thanks to this home promoted by the Augustinian Recollects.
The Lar Santa Monicaa social work of the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentino in Fortaleza (Brazil), was founded in 2006 with the aim of sheltering and protecting girls and adolescents in situations of social vulnerability, especially victims of violence or at risk of exploitation. Through education, accompaniment and faith, the center seeks to offer a safe environment where they can grow, regain hope and dream of a different future. There, the spiritual motherhood of St. Monica is brought to life through the dedication of religious, lay people and volunteers who turn this home into a real family.
The birth of LAR: response to a wounded city
LAR Santa Monica opened its doors in the year 2000 in the city of Fortalezaa large coastal city with strong social contrasts. The Augustinian Recollects, present in the city for their parish and educational work, were faced with a reality of child abandonment and violence, especially among girls. Moved by the Gospel and the example of St. Monica, they decided to create a safe space where they could offer protection, education, food and spiritual accompaniment.
“LAR was born to rescue the lives of these minors”, recalls the Augustinian Recollect Alberto MorenoAlberto Moreno, then director of LAR Santa Monica.
Livia’s story: from slum to home
Livia grew up in a favela, in a difficult environment. “I wanted to go to school, but I had no resources; my childhood was complicated,” she says.she says. Her life changed when she was welcomed at LAR Santa Monica: “I met many girls laughing and I loved it because I was going to live another life, with many people”.
“We were struck by how he danced, he did it with an impressive joy.”
Friar Alberto remembers little Livia as a shy child, but with a special grace: “We were struck by how she danced, she did it with an impressive joy”. The process of reception gave way to a complete transformation: psychological care, education, health, community life and faith.
“It changed my life completely. I had food, friends, space, people by my side. I was able to live my childhood as a six-year-old girl,” says Livia.says Livia.
A work that transforms lives
LAR Santa Monica not only marked the lives of Livia and dozens of other girls, it also transformed those who accompanied the process. “It changed my life to be with them, to see their needs and also those of their families. It made me more merciful and understand that life has no meaning if it is not spent for the benefit of those who need it most,” confesses Friar Alberto.Alberto confesses. Today, Livia looks back with gratitude:
“It was unexpected, much better than what I was experiencing. The LAR was my second home.”
Saint Monica, witness of hope
The celebration of the mother of St. Augustine thus becomes a tribute to so many women and girls who, like Livia, have found in the Augustinian Recollect family a place of welcome and hope. The documentary When I grow up I want to be a girl not only recalls the story of a concrete work, but also conveys the profound message of St. Monica: persevering faith, hope that never fades and love that transforms life. Together with ARCORES the Augustinian Recollect family continues to transform lives.