PROCURA – Claretian Missions began its activities on 24 October 2008 in Carvalhos. Since then, it has grown and currently has 4 Delegations and one exhibition centre. The current Delegations of PROCURA are in Carvalhos (2008), Lisbon (2009), Agualva-Cacém (2013) and Tondela (2015), with the exhibition centre located in Fátima.
Since 2013, the Claret Foundation has been recognised as a Non-Governmental Organisation for Development (NGDO), with PROCURA being one of its fields of action. The fact that the Claret Foundation – PROCURA is an NGDO made it possible, in 2024, to join the Portuguese Platform of NGDOs and the Portuguese Confederation of Volunteering, thereby working together with other organisations to promote and bring to the civil society agenda such important issues as development education and volunteering.
In Portugal, within our Delegations, we carry out actions with the local community: from supporting people who are homeless or in situations of greater need, to visiting the elderly, or providing assistance to victims of wildfires. This support is offered on a regular basis in order to build relationships with the institutions and people involved. Throughout the year, we also organise various awareness-raising and fundraising activities for the Missions, as well as the shipment of essential goods – particularly in São Tomé and Príncipe, where shortages are evident. Special focus is placed on hygiene and health items, as well as school supplies.
Regarding our Missionary Volunteering, in 2025 we carried out initiatives in São Tomé, in partnership with the Independent Delegation Mother of Africa, and in Príncipe, in collaboration with the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of São Tomé and Príncipe. In both cases, our aim was to cooperate with the local community in the areas of Education, Health and Evangelisation. In August, activities were held with more than 1,000 children, in addition to training sessions for over 60 participants on Family Economy and Church Communication. There was also close interaction with the local Claretian community, as we came to know their communities, their needs, and some of their “dreams” to be realised in the short to medium term.
All these activities, initiatives and campaigns are only possible thanks to the support of many parishes, schools, colleges, catechetical groups, benefactors and companies who, throughout the year, join in our initiatives in Portugal.
In summary, the Claret Foundation – PROCURA works on different initiatives, building bridges with the Mission from Portugal, and offers volunteer experiences in São Tomé and Príncipe. We strive to ensure that every volunteer with us feels it is a truly transformative experience for their lives.
Together we walk with the Missions!
