“Father, forgive them…”
We always walk with expectation as we pre a time of great significance in the life of after year, we look forward to these day deepen our understanding of the events transformed the history of humanity It is a time when love and forgiveness importance in every message and reflection the experience of the Cross, in the midst and suffering, Jesus spoke words that eternity: “Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:3 At that moment, divine love broke the pow innocent Son of God chose mercy over revealing that forgiveness is not weakness, expressing the deepest love for the hu created.
Forgiveness lies at the heart of God It is grace that heals what bitterness has destroyed a grace that cannot be earned or bought but is freely given. In Ephesians 2:8–9 we read: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.”
However, as human beings, forgiving has never been easy. Our wounds are often deep, and memories of hurt can keep us bound to pain When we hold on to resentment, it is our own hearts that remain imprisoned. Jesus invites us to release this heavy burden and entrust our pain to Him. Holy Week reminds us that the cross was not the end, but the beginning of a new hope. After pain came victory; after darkness came the light of the resurrection. This is the hope that sustains our faith and renews our strength
May we draw near to God with humble, grateful, and willing hearts. May nothing distract us from contemplating Christ’s love, and in Easter, may we celebrate with joy the new life
He offers us
45 YEARS, TOGETHER SERVING OTHERS!
On March 26, The Salvation Army Social Center (CSES) celebrated 45 years of dedication to people and the community. It was a special occasion, marked with purpose and shared with all those who are part of this journey: teams, service users, management, and partners. This celebration became even more symbolic as it coincided with the 29th anniversary of the Xabregas Accommodation and Reintegration Centre (CAX), marked on 20th March The venue chosen for the celebration was this very space, which represents in a very tangible way the impact of the work carried out by CSES over the years
The day began with a working meeting, dedicated to reflection and the planning of the institution’s social responses Currently, CSES carries out its work through four social responses, encompassing a total of seven service areas, supporting people experiencing homelessness, children and young people at risk, and older adults. At lunchtime, the atmosphere became lighter and more informal with another edition of Pizz’and Love.
In a simple yet deeply meaningful moment, service users actively participated in preparing and serving the pizzas, reinforcing the importance of participation, sharing, and togetherness as fundamental pillars of inclusion
The celebration was attended by Lisbon City Councillor Dr. Maria Luísa Aldim; Dr. João Marrana, coordinator of NIPSA Lisbon; their respective teams; as well as members of the CSES Board and the directors of the different service areas. It was a day marked by simplicity, yet rich in symbolism a time to celebrate the journey taken, value the present, and reaffirm the commitment that has guided CSES for 45 years: standing alongside people.
HOW IS YOUR SOUL?
There are simple questions that touch us in deep ways.
“How is your soul?”
In the midst of busy days, responsibilities, and the burdens we so often carry in silence, this question invites us to pause. To listen. To breathe. And it was precisely this invitation that shaped the 2026 World Day of Prayer Celebration, held at the Ajuda Presbyterian Church.
The gathering was led by the Southern Team of the World Day of Prayer and brought together people from different Christian communities, in an atmosphere of unity, faith and sharing.
Inspired by the reality of women in Nigeria, the theme “I will give you rest: come!” (Matthew 11:28) resonated as a message of hope for all who feel tired and burdened. The celebration began with a thoughtful look at Nigeria, helping us to better understand the context, challenges, and faith of the women of that country an invitation to open our hearts to realities beyond our own.
The World Day of Prayer is an international and interdenominational movement of Christian women that promotes moments of prayer, reflection, and action around the world Although it was born from the initiative of women, the celebration is lived in community, involving everyone in a testimony of faith that transcends borders, cultures, and differences.
Music was present throughout the gathering, bringing each moment to life. The Salvation Army Lisbon Corps band and the youth choir of the Methodist Church helped create an
atmosphere of faith and fellowship spaces where faith found sound, rhythm, and expression.
Throughout the celebration, we were guided by powerful testimonies from Nigerian women Beatrice, Jato and Blessing, for example, are names that now have a face, a story of pain and courage. Their testimonies spoke to us of loss, fear, injustice and poverty, but also of steadfast faith, resilience and a hope that does not fade. Stories that reminded us that, even when burdens feel unbearable, we do not walk alone
There was a special time of prayer that deeply marked the gathering. To the sound of the piano, with the song “Clamo Jesus”, a group sang while others gathered in prayer. Amid voices of supplication and surrender, the assurance echoed that “over the darkness, He will bring His light.” It was a moment of rest and trust, where burdens were laid down and became lighter
The message, delivered by Pastor Cacilene Nobre, reinforced this path, challenging us to live out a faith that is expressed through presence, care, and commitment to others
Throughout the entire gathering, a simple yet demanding certainty remained: we may not be able to change every situation, but we can choose not to remain indifferent
And often, it begins with something very simple: an embrace. Embracing those who suffer. Embracing those who need to be seen. Embracing even what we struggle to understand
We were 77 people different stories, different journeys, yet united by the same faith.
And perhaps that is what we carry with us: not only a moment lived, but a renewed way of looking more attentively, caring with greater intention, and living a faith that becomes visible
And so, the question remains: How is your soul?
29TH ANNIVERSARY ACCOMMODATION AND REINTEGRATION CENTRE
The Salvation Army – Accommodation and Reintegration Centre in Xabregas celebrated 29 years of existence
29 years with the doors open to those who need it most.
29 years of difficult stories, but also of reunions and new beginnings
29 years believing that every person has value and deserves a new opportunity, because as long as there is willingness, there is a way.
Over these years, many lives have been through here, many stories, many people with different experiences. Each one, in their own way, contributed to building the story of this place a place of refuge, a safe harbour, and a space for transformation.
And so, because of everything we have lived, today above all we express our gratitude: to our staff, our partners, our volunteers, and also to the people who trusted us in one of the most difficult moments of their lives. We remain here with the same purpose and the same determination to make a difference Thank you for being part of this story.
“AULA AMIGA”
In our neighbourhood in A Coruña, we have become aware of a reality that often goes unseen, yet deeply impacts the present and shapes the future of many children: real difficulties in meeting the academic standards required today. This is not just about grades, but about opportunity, support and dignity.
In response to this need, as The Salvation Army - Cuerpo de La Coruña, we chose to take action. This is how “Aula Amiga” was born a completely free space where we currently support around 20 children, aged between 5 and 14, in their academic development Beyond educational support, we offer care, consistency, and an environment where each child can begin to believe in themselves again. Since we began in October 2025, we are already seeing clear results: children who previously failed all their subjects are now passing most of them, and in some cases, all of them. Additionally, their school tutors have reached out to us to recognise the impact of the project and encourage us to continue, as they witness these improvements in real time. This is only the beginning. We want to reach more children, and for that, we need committed volunteers willing to be part of this mission. We are also developing a programme to present to the University of A Coruña, aiming to create opportunities for future teachers to engage with this reality in first-hand.
Because we firmly believe that investing in children is investing in the future And a child with education is a living opportunity for a better tomorrow
