Part 1 - Br João Carlos do Prado: A Brazilian heart, a Marist calling, and a journey of leadership and care as a General Councillor
- maristbrothers
- 6 days ago
- 8 min read
Br João Carlos do Prado is not one for formal greetings. For him, a simple handshake or a polite nod will never be enough. He speaks the language of big, warm hugs and the diplomacy of laughter. As a guest at his table, he makes sure your cup is full to the point of overflowing, your plate abundant, and your heart at ease - so that whether you are an old friend or someone he has only just met, you feel instantly at home. For Br João, no one is ever an outsider; everyone is family.
This comes as no surprise, for Br João is truly Brazilian; born into a large family of 13 children, the spirit of togetherness flows through his veins. With his piercing yet encouraging gaze and his ever-ready laugh, he has a rare gift for making others feel welcome and at ease. These qualities naturally drew him to the Marist charism and to a life dedicated to young people on the margins. From his first community in Joaçaba, Brazil, to the many places his journey has taken him since, Br João has remained steadfast in his joyful openness across cultures and his commitment to living Marcellin’s dream.
In 2011, he was invited by then Superior General Br Emili Turú to become Director of the Mission Secretariat, before eventually being elected as a General Councillor. In these roles, he travelled widely across the Marist world - listening, encouraging, and discerning how best the Institute might respond to emerging needs. Just this past May, alongside the Secretariat of Laity, he attended the first Champagnat Marist Family gathering in Fiji. He recalls it as a visit he thoroughly enjoyed, one that opened his eyes to the resilience and vitality of Marist life in Fiji.
True to his vision, Br João has always worked towards a unified expression of Marist life - locally, regionally, and globally.
Now, with the 23rd General Chapter behind us, the Star Post sat down with Br João to reflect on his vibrant journey: the challenges he has embraced, the blessings he has received, and his hopes for the next chapter of life and mission.
Now that the General Chapter has come to a close, how are you feeling? It must have been quite an intense and perhaps demanding time, both in the lead-up to the Chapter and throughout the weeks of discernment.
The 23rd General Chapter was a beautiful experience of communion, better understanding of the Marist world and sharing of visions about the future of our charism. During this period, I was part of the Facilitation Committee. Therefore, it was a period of great dedication and commitment to contribute to the smooth running of the Chapter. At the end of this period, I feel that the mission has been accomplished. This is for two reasons.
Firstly, because the Chapter was a very beautiful and profound experience. The participants in general are very happy with the experience they had.
Secondly, because with the Chapter my mission as General Councillor (2017-2025) also came to an end. It has been eight years of a unique experience contributing to Marist life around the world. For me, in particular, I have dedicated myself to accompanying the Administrative Units of the Arco Norte and Europe Regions. In addition, I have served as a link with the Secretariats of Laity and Brothers today and with the Communications Department. I am very grateful to my companions on this journey, especially the members of the General Council and the many Brothers and Laity I have met during this period in various parts of the world.
What message do you have for the newly elected General Council?
My message to the new General Council is to allow themselves to be guided by the Spirit who speaks through each Brother, lay person, child and young person who is part of our Marist family. I am sure they will do an excellent job. Although it is a small group, the new council is composed of a wealth of Brothers who represent the beautiful diversity of the Institute.
"My message to the new General Council is to allow themselves to be guided by the Spirit who speaks through each Brother, lay person, child and young person who is part of our Marist family."
This richness and diversity will help them to have a better understanding of the Institute and to take the necessary steps that the Institute needs for the future.Therefore, may the new Council walk with confidence and hope. God will guide them every step of the way and they can count on the support of all the Brothers and lay Marists around the world.
Before we talk about your Marist journey, Br João, could you share a bit about your early life - what was your childhood like, and what kind of life did you have before becoming a Brother?
I was born in a little town in the south of Brazil called Jaborá, in Santa Catarina state. I come from a very big family - 13 children in total, eight brothers and five sisters. My father passed away 35 years ago, but my mother is still alive and, God willing, will turn 90 next year.
Growing up in such a large family meant community life was second nature. Even when some of my older siblings moved away to study or work, there were always five or six of us at home. We learned to share life, support one another, and work together. That sense of community has stayed with me ever since.
"Growing up in such a large family meant community life was second nature."
I did my primary schooling in Jaborá, and for my last four years I studied at a Franciscan boarding school; there were no Marist Brothers in the area. Faith was central in our family, especially through my mother, who taught us prayers and passed on her devotion. The wider community also played an important role. Our neighbours were like an extended family - we celebrated, prayed, and grew up together.
So how and when did you encounter the Brothers?
As a teenager, I was active in youth groups in my parish. I loved the sense of belonging, the excursions, and the joy of gathering with other young people. I began to feel that, in the future, I wanted to dedicate myself to that kind of ministry.
At the time, I only knew the Franciscans and assumed the only path was to be a priest. But I wasn’t drawn to parish life, funerals, or Mass - I just wanted to work full-time with young people. Then one day a Marist Brother came to my town for vocational ministry work. He spent the night in our boarding school. We had breakfast together, and he shared about his life. I thought to myself, This is it. This is what I want - to be among young people, to serve them, to walk with them.
"I thought to myself, This is it. This is what I want - to be among young people, to serve them, to walk with them."
I gave him my name and address and asked to be accompanied. For three years, we corresponded by letter - no internet or WhatsApp back then! He would send me letters about Marcellin Champagnat and the Good Mother, along with questions to reflect on.
Later during school holidays, I also spent a few days living with the Brothers in Joaçaba city to experience their life more closely.
How old were you at that point?
I was 14 when I first met the Brother. By the age of 16, I entered the juniorate.
Isn’t 16 very young to make such a life-changing decision. Also, did you experience doubts in your journey?
Yes, 16 is quite young. And honestly, I didn’t have full clarity at the time. What attracted me most was the joy of working with young people and the sense of freedom in community life.
The deeper understanding of our spirituality and mission came later. In many ways, I continue to renew that “yes” every day. My vocation is a journey - constantly deepening, discovering, and trusting in God’s call.
"My vocation is a journey - constantly deepening, discovering, and trusting in God’s call."
I did have many doubts. During my postulancy, I was full of questions. One month I wanted to be a Brother, the next I wanted to leave and become a priest, the next I imagined getting married. It was a real struggle!
"I did have many doubts. During my postulancy, I was full of questions. With the help of my formators, I learned to discern more clearly."
With the help of my formators, I learned to discern more clearly. They encouraged me to write down the reasons for and against being a Brother. That exercise helped me grow in maturity and confidence. And by the end of my novitiate, I was at peace with my choice.
Of course, doubts still returned from time to time - but not with the same intensity. Since then, I have been very sure of my vocation. I see it as God’s way of telling me: This is your path.
How did your family react to your decision?
My parents never pressured me one way or the other. They always said, “This is your decision.” At one point, I even told my mother to say “no” if the Brother came back to take me! She replied, “It’s not my decision. You contacted him, you go and talk to him.”
That freedom was very important. My family supported me by visiting during formation and staying close. Today we’re still very connected - we even have a family WhatsApp group where we check in with each other every day.
"It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been meaningful. And that, I believe, is the surest sign that I am where God wants me to be."
Looking back now, I am grateful and happy. My vocation has given me the freedom to live fully among young people, to serve in community, and to walk the Marist way. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been meaningful. And that, I believe, is the surest sign that I am where God wants me to be.
Could you tell us about your journey after your final profession in 1999?
After my final profession, I joined my first community in a town called Joaçaba, Brazil. During that time, I completed my university studies in Portuguese language and literature and worked in a youth community centre - a mission that I deeply enjoyed.
In 2001, the Marist Province I belonged to in Santa Catarina merged with another from São Paulo, forming a new province called “Brasil Centro-Sul”. I moved to Curitiba, where I served as a member of the Provincial Council and was responsible for coordinating pastoral activities in our schools. I also oversaw various ministries during that period, a mission that continued until 2006.
After 2006, the three Marist provinces in Brazil created a joint association called União Marista do Brasil (UMBRASIL) to strengthen collaboration and represent Marists in dialogue with the Brazilian government. I first served as mission coordinator and later, from 2009 to 2010, as the executive secretary.
While carrying out these responsibilities, I divided my time between Brasília and Curitiba and also completed a Master’s degree at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in Curitiba.
Read Part 2 here.