Frei Beto, OP, Theologian and a lifetime companion of Frei Joao Xerri, OP, writes:
The motivation of the liberating faith inspired Frei João (Fr Ġwann) Xerri and his equipe to create in 1982 the Solidarity Group São Domingos, destined to show solidarity with peoples and movements that struggle against any type of colonialism or domination.
In Brazil, the group supported the struggle for agrarian reform and collaborated with the CPT (Pastoral Land Commission), especially in land conflicts in the state of Paraná in the south and in the state of Para in the north of Brazil.
João was present in the region of Conceição do Araguaia when landowners and the military government persecuted the French priests Aristides Camio and François Gouriou. Prisoners from 1981 to 1983, they were later expelled from the country, accused of inciting land occupations to bring about land reform. The army occupied the city and appointed a military chaplain to take over the parish.