12-Year-Old Brazilian Boy Makes Rosaries from 'Our Lady’s Tears' Seeds for Children in Hospitals

Brazil, June 10, 2026: A 12-year-old boy from Santa Catarina, Brazil, is drawing attention for an unusual mission: making rosaries from seeds known as “Our Lady’s Tears” and distributing them to children in hospitals.

Samuel Hoffmann, who lives in the city of Brusque, takes part in hospital evangelisation efforts and personally gives away the rosaries during his visits. Using seeds from the plant commonly known as “Our Lady’s Tears”, or the Lily of the Valley, he cultivates the plant, harvests the seeds, and transforms them into rosaries for young patients.

The story began several years ago through Samuel’s growing devotion to Our Lady. According to him, the journey started when he was seven years old and regularly watched Catholic programmes with his grandmother. Soon afterwards, he received an invitation that would shape the direction of his life.

“When I was eight or nine years old, Sister Terezinha invited me to visit the hospital. We would play music for the children, but I wanted to leave them a gift that would remind them to pray.”

The idea for that gift emerged from an unexpected source. One of Samuel’s uncles brought home seeds from a plant popularly known as “Our Lady’s Tears”. Samuel planted them in his backyard and, as the plant grew, he developed the idea of using its seeds to make rosaries.

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Today, those rosaries have become part of the mission he carries out during hospital visits. While many children his age spend their time playing video games, scrolling through social media, or watching television, Samuel dedicates part of his days to prayer, evangelisation, and crafting rosaries that he personally delivers to young patients.

Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Samuel said, “When you visit a child's room and see that what you're bringing has made them happier, it makes me happy too.”

His mother, Maristela Hoffmann, believes her son’s faith journey has transformed their entire family.

“In fact, he was the one who sought us out and brought us along. He brought us even closer to the Church,” she said.

Maristela also emphasised the importance of Christian witness.

Courtesy: Churchpop