God’s goodness was clearly revealed in the life of our Venerable Serafina through a visit, through people she did not know, but God wanted to place these people in her path so that—through a glance, a hug, a smile, or a word—the voice echoing in the silence of her heart might overflow with joy.
The life of our first Brazilian ASC is uniquely intertwined with the history of our Brazil Region. This year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Sister Serafina’s decision to become an ASC—a decision that changed her own story and that of the ASCs in Brazil. The call from the North American Sisters to take over the mission in Altamira, which had been started by the German Sisters, changed direction. Mother Julitta heard God’s call to continue the mission in Brazil, in Amazonas, beginning with this vocational sign. Serafina’s vocation was recognized by the eyes of a person of faith who believed in the young teacher, nurse, and catechist. The missionary spirit of a North American woman saw in Serafina a sign that God was looking upon our land with affection. It is known that Sr. Serafina wanted to become a religious from a young age, but her father did not agree. She continued her studies and actively participated in her parish in Manaus. We can say that God prepared her to live out this charism of adoration and apostolate from the very beginning, until she reawakened our presence in the place where she lived. After being welcomed by our visiting sisters, she traveled with them in November 1946 to begin her initial formation in Wichita. After professing her first vows, she returned to Manaus to continue her mission in Brazil, no longer as a layperson but as an ASC.
Serafina Cinque was a pioneering woman. Her role as a leader began with her response—as the first Brazilian ASC and the first Venerable, and, it is hoped, soon to be Blessed and Saint—born in the Amazon. Trust in Divine Providence has always accompanied her throughout her life and was strengthened by this decision. Imagine saying “yes” to God at what was considered an advanced age for that time—33 years old—and going to an unknown place because of a dream—and not just any dream, but the dream of doing God’s will, which she had always desired since her First Communion, and which grew stronger as she continued her studies to become a teacher, nurse, and catechist. Finding someone who encouraged her, invited her, and believed in her was enough for her to leave everything behind and follow God’s call.
She found in the Congregation of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ the ideal place to put God at the center of her life and to live out charity toward God and toward her neighbor. Knowing that she lived evangelical poverty alongside the poorest, we often think of our “dear neighbor” as someone outside ourselves—the person in need of material goods. However, she also saw the need for spiritual good. Through her life, she taught the spirituality of adoring and redeeming love—love to the very end, the love of God. She loved every sister and every brother. The first to benefit from this love were the ASC sisters themselves. Like the meek Lamb, she never raised her voice; and, in addition to always asking for forgiveness with humility, she forgave everyone. Her “dear neighbor” was anyone in need of love, affection, reconciliation, bread and clothing, or physical and mental health. Driven by charity, Sister Serafina bore witness to God’s goodness. The Master Jesus, who spent his life doing good, inspired her to do the same.

Pray for us, Venerable Serafina Cinque, ASC.

Sr. Elsie Auzier Vinhote, ASC
Lima, Peru, 2026