From our first conversation to your journey home.

The first conversations take place remotely. The visitor completes a health and personal history questionnaire, joins an individual interview and learns about the Sanctuary’s religious purpose, the ceremony, the care involved and the limits of our work.

The interview can be held in English or Spanish and follows the same criteria used for Brazilian participants. It does not guarantee a place. A health condition, medication, a period of vulnerability or another safety concern may lead us to request professional guidance, suggest postponing the visit or decline participation.

Most international visitors arrive through São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). An official bus service connects Terminal 2 with Tietê Bus Terminal in São Paulo. The operator estimates about 40 minutes, but traffic can make the trip longer.

Intercity coaches leave Tietê for Matão. A direct trip usually takes about five hours. Timetables, companies, connections, prices and availability can change, so please check the current service before buying a ticket.

With traffic, waiting time and the connection, plan for roughly six to eight hours from GRU to Matão. We can help you review the itinerary, but the Sanctuary does not sell tickets or work as a travel agency.

When space is available and arrangements are made in advance, the Sanctuary can offer simple accommodation. Visitors can prepare their own food and follow the dietary guidance for the ceremony.

The accommodation is not a hotel, resort or tourism package. Before the trip is confirmed, we agree on the space, length of stay, items to bring and arrival and departure times.

• Disclose dietary restrictions, allergies and relevant needs in advance.
• Bring regular medication and never alter treatment without the responsible professional’s authorization.
• Allow time to rest before the ceremony and before the return journey.

We stay in contact before the trip, arrange reception in Matão and offer guidance during the stay, the preparation, the ceremony and the period afterward. Directors and guardians are present throughout the ceremony.

This support is connected to the religious visit. It does not replace medical or psychological care, travel insurance, emergency services, certified translation or consular assistance.

• Check passport, visa or entry authorization and health requirements that apply to your nationality.
• Keep travel insurance and emergency contacts accessible.
• Share your itinerary, expected arrival time and a phone number with WhatsApp access.
• Do not schedule the return immediately after the ceremony; allow for rest and possible delays.
• Recheck coach and flight schedules before every leg of the journey.