Brazilian Catholic family defends home schooling amid legal battle

A Brazilian Catholic family is fighting a court order that requires them to enroll four of their seven children in traditional schools.

Diego and Patricia Vieira, who live in Blumenau, have homeschooled their children for over a decade. They told EWTN Noticias that they view their educational approach as a mission to pursue holiness, virtue, and wisdom through personalized academic and spiritual formation. Their children follow a daily routine that includes morning studies followed by afternoon activities such as music, sports, culture, and chess.

In late July, a trial court judge ordered the couple to enroll four of their children in traditional schools and mandated that they pay a fine of nearly $13,000. The Vieiras believe the ruling is a form of persecution because they are public figures who advocate for homeschooling regulations.