Focolare Movement

Maria: owner of her own business

Sep 28, 2026

Testimony by Maria Pires, Brazil, at the event: ‘A Path to Regeneration: 35 Years of the Economy of Communion’, held in Buenos Aires in May 2026.

After years of working as a domestic worker in family homes, Maria took part in PROFOR, the Program for Strengthening New Inclusive Businesses of Communion.

That was when she was able to transform her life and dedicate herself to her true passion: baking.

Today, with a formally registered business and 100% of her income coming from her own enterprise, she teaches other women in her community how to bake cakes, so that they too can discover that they are capable of building a more dignified life.

Audio in the original language. Click on the bottom right-hand corner where it says ‘Watch on YouTube’, turn on the subtitles and select your preferred language.

Photo: © frentescuphotography by Pexels

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