Dom Hélder Câmara
Born: February 7, 1909
Died: August 27, 1999
Often referred to as the “bishop of the slums,” Dom Hélder Câmara embraced liberation theology and encouraged people experiencing poverty to find their voices through group study of scripture and their own proposals for social change. He strongly criticized Brazil’s military dictatorships and called for land reform and other changes. The archbishop was especially critical of the violent and brutal treatment the poor suffered at the hands of the military and of the scandalous economic disparities this force sought to keep in place.
Câmara was a powerful witness to the gospel’s call to justice and peace. Now, 21 years after his death, he remains a living model of Christian spirituality for how we might live knowing that God is always present and calling us to greater love. Câmara’s spirituality was rooted in and responsive to the world in which he lived.
More about Dom Hélder Câmara:
Hélder Câmara, the people’s pastor, shows us how to live
Dom Hélder Câmara was a powerful witness to the gospel’s call to justice and peace.
Dom Hélder Câmara: technician of Christian nuclear power
In a few short years, Dom Hélder Câmara became the best known Catholic in Latin America, a vibrant voice for the Third World, a Christian witness who will not let the world forget the sufferings of the poor.
Image: Wikimedia photo cc by Materialscientist
