Let's Discuss the Head of the Saint by Socorro Acioli

Having arrived in Candeia, Brazil, starving and footsore, after walking sixteen days to fulfill his dying mother's last wishes, young Samuel takes up residence in an enormous, broken statue of Saint Anthony and finds that he can hear the prayers of the townspeople, despite his lack of faith.

Samuel can hear the villagers' whispered prayers to Saint Anthony --confessing lost loves, hopes and fears--and he begins to wonder if he ought to help them out a little. When Samuel's advice hits the mark, he becomes famous, and people flock to the town to hear about their future loves. But with all the fame come some problems, and soon Samuel has more than just the lovelorn to deal with.

This is a story that provides a unique glimpse into Brazilian culture and worldview.