Brazilian dignitaries attend the launch of a book by MIC graduate

A NOVEL showcases Limerick in a new way, from the perspective of a teacher, writer, and graduate of Mary Immaculate College from Brazil.

Carol Pereira has officially launched the novel based on her experiences studying in Limerick at the college.

The book is titled Limerick Beyond Time, and contains her perspective of the city and paints its picture in a new light.

Speaking about the novel, Carol said: “This book was a way to share my Limerick with the world, to show the beauty, charm and magic I saw from the moment I first set foot in the city. Limerick itself is an enchanting city—beautiful, warm, and full of life. Irish people are truly wonderful, and studying in a country where education is respected and taken seriously was a dream come true. I would recommend MIC and Limerick to any international student.”

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Carol was part of the first group of Brazilian teachers to visit MIC in 2018 under the CAPES programme, a foundation within the Brazilian Ministry of Education which supports students to pursue further study at home and abroad. 

In 2019, Carol received a Government of Ireland Scholarship to return to MIC and to complete an M Ed in Middle Leadership and Mentoring.

To date, Carol has published nine books, some of which are used in schools in Brazil and have been approved by the State Department of Education there.

She currently resides in Canada but a number of her CAPES classmates have made Limerick their home.

Dr Holly Cowman, Director of International Engagement at MIC said: “It is inspiring to see how Carol’s experience of living in Limerick and her time at the College have shaped and influenced her novel.”

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The event on April 22 was attended by the Ambassador of Brazil, H.E. Mr Flávio Helmold Macieira and his wife, Mrs Josiane Cotrim Macieira. 

Earlier in the day, the Ambassador visited the Mayor of Limerick at City Hall, before meeting with current CAPES students at MIC. 

Ambassador Macieira holds an MA in International Relations, which he completed at University College Dublin (UCD) in 2002.

The Honorary Consul also conducted a Q&A with Carol, during which they spoke about living in Limerick, the academic journey at MIC and the inspiration behind her latest novel.