A 12-year-old boy from Santa Catarina, Brazil, is drawing attention on social media for an unusual mission for someone his age: 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 in Brazil, participates in hospital evangelization efforts and has found a simple way to leave a meaningful gift for the children he visits.
With his own hands, he cultivates the plant, harvests the seeds, and turns them into rosaries that he gives away during his visits.
The story began several years ago, when he grew in devotion to Our Lady.
According to Samuel, it all began when he was seven years old and watched Catholic programs every day with his grandmother. Soon afterward, he received an invitation that would change 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 solution came from an unexpected place.
One of Samuel's uncles brought home seeds from a plant popularly known as "Our Lady's Tears," or the Lily of the Valley. Samuel decided to plant them in the backyard. As the plant grew, he came up with the idea of using the seeds to make rosaries.
"When you visit a child's room and see that what you're bringing has made them happier, it makes me happy too," Samuel said.
Today, rosaries have become part of the mission 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, evangelization, and making rosaries that he personally delivers to young patients.
His mother, Maristela Hoffmann, believes her son's journey of faith 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.
She also emphasized the importance of Christian witness.
"It's beautiful to see so many young people following this path. People need to bear witness to inspire others to do something for their neighbor."
Samuel's grandmother has closely followed his journey and becomes emotional when speaking about her grandson.
"Today, I see his faith growing so much, and it makes me very happy."
What began as a simple devotion to Our Lady has become a small mission.
Through seeds, rosaries, and hospital visits, Samuel offers children something that cannot always be found in medicine or treatments: the assurance that they are not alone.
At just 12 years old, he continues doing what he believes God has called him to do—a child bringing hope to other children.