Brazil Senate approves inscription of Frei Orlando in national Heroes' Book

The Brazilian Senate approved project PL 1.076/2023 on Thursday, 9 May, authorising the inclusion of Frei Orlando in the Livro dos Heróis e Heroínas da Pátria. The bill, proposed by former deputy Paulo Fernando and reported by Senator Flávio Arns, now moves to the President for sanction.

Frei Orlando, born Antônio Álvares da Silva in Morada Nova (MG) in 1913, was a teacher, chaplain of the Brazilian Army during World War II and founder of the “Sopa dos Pobres” social program. He died in 1945 from an accidental shot while assisting troops near Monte Castello, Italy. The honor recognizes his combined spiritual, educational and humanitarian contributions. The book, kept in steel pages at the Panteão da Pátria e da Liberdade Tancredo Neves in Brasília, lists Brazilians who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the nation.