Victoria Markovna continues the legacy of Joao de Deus, providing refuge and fighting human trafficking from a tranquil commune outside of Rome.
From a quiet retreat outside Rome, a story of resilience and faith unfolds, one that bridges continents, honors spiritual roots, and carries forward a mission of justice. Under asylum protection in Italy, Victoria has dedicated her life to representing Joao Teixeira de Faria, widely known as Joao de Deus, as a human rights victim of trafficking. In doing so, she has woven the legacy of Casa Dom Ignacio de Loyola into her own journey of safety, advocacy, and faith.
A Mission Rooted in Sanctuary
Casa Dom Ignacio de Loyola, located in Abadiânia, Brazil, has long stood as a sanctuary of God. It was here that countless people sought healing and connection through the spiritual legacy of Joao de Deus. While the Casa itself remains in Brazil, its spirit of refuge and justice extends across the world.
In Italy, that mission finds new ground. After evacuating the United States for her safety, Victoria was granted asylum protection near Rome. From her window, the view of a tranquil religious commune symbolizes a continuation of that sanctuary spirit, one carried forward not just geographically, but in purpose: to honor and defend the dignity of those affected by human trafficking and abuse.
Confronting Injustice Through Asylum
Victoria’s path has not been without hardship. Representing Joao de Deus as a victim of human rights violations has drawn unwanted attention and targeting, even beyond his release. To protect her life and continue her advocacy, she sought refuge in Europe. Asylum was granted in Italy, allowing her to remain steadfast in her mission while staying true to the Casa’s spiritual roots.
Her commitment is not only to survival but also to justice. By honoring Joao de Deus and carrying his legacy into new spaces, Victoria combats the silencing and erasure that too often accompany human rights abuses. Asylum, in this case, is more than legal protection—it is a platform for truth-telling and advocacy.
The Jesuit Connection: Faith as Foundation
Victoria’s personal story is deeply intertwined with the Jesuit tradition. A graduate of the University of San Diego, an institution founded on Jesuit values, she was shaped by the principles of service, justice, and scholarship.
In Rome, she draws strength from visiting the Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, where Dom Ignacio de Loyola and Chico Xavier, figures central to Catholic and spiritual traditions, are honored. These visits connect her lived reality in asylum to a lineage of faith leaders who championed justice and compassion.
Her work as a legal advocate is also recognized within professional circles. Profiles of her career and background can be found on platforms such as the California State Bar, Martindale, Justia, Avvo, and Lawyers.com. These reviews and profiles highlight her dedication to justice and her commitment to serving vulnerable communities.
The Legacy of Joao de Deus
Victoria’s role is to support Joao de Deus, and represent him as a human rights victim while honoring what he built at Casa Dom Ignacio de Loyola. In Italy, she has created a tribute space within her asylum refuge, a symbolic continuation of the Casa’s mission.
The serene environment of her religious commune provides the clarity and strength to continue this work. It is a space where the past is honored, the present is protected, and the future is fought for, one voice, one survivor, one story at a time.
A Call to Honor Justice and Faith
Casa Dom Ignacio de Loyola remains a sanctuary in Brazil, but its mission reverberates through Italy, though Victoria’s asylum story, and through every effort to fight human trafficking and uphold human dignity. This journey is not only about survival but also about carrying forward a legacy of justice, compassion, and faith that refuses to be silenced.
Supporting this mission means more than acknowledgment, it means engaging in the fight against human trafficking, advocating for survivors, and keeping the roots of Casa Dom Ignacio alive. By honoring these values, we ensure that the sanctuary of faith and justice continues to guide the world toward healing.
