On Saturday, November 28, 2020, the Vincentian missionaries of the Vice-Province of Mozambique gathered together in the parish of Saint Jerome to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the presence of the Congregation of the Mission in that country. In this festive context, the deacons Gildo Paulino Macuacua, CM (from Chongoene in southern Mozambique) and Laurenço Da Silva, CM (from Nacala in northern Mozambique) were ordained to the priesthood. These deacons had taken their theological formation in Tanzania. This gathering was also an opportunity to give thanks to God for the 50 years of priestly life of Bishop Dom Germano Grachane, CM who was the ordaining bishop. At the same time we cerebrated the 50th anniversary of Father Luciano Ferreira (who returned to Portugal), the 20th anniversary of Father Fernando Mucavel, CM, the 10th anniversary of Father Artivo Cossa, CM, Father Rey Araneta, CM and Father Ekene Emelisi, CM (who returned to Nigeria) and the 5th anniversary of Father Ernesto Zunguze, CM.
Present for this celebration were priest friends from various religious congregations, women religious, diocesan priests, representatives from some of the branches of the Vincentian Family, a small representation of faithful, members of the parish Pastoral Council. We adhered to all the guidelines that the government demands for religious services during this time of pandemic.
We began the celebration with a procession to the tomb of Father Luis Quirino de Oliveira and there rendered homage to all the Vincentian missionaries who had ministered in Mozambique and who are now deceased.
At 10:00am we initiated the Eucharistic celebration which was very joyful and participative … these services were concluded at about 2:00pm.
In accord with the norms of the Archbishop of Maputo we were able to celebrate the sacrament of Orders but there were no festivities after the Eucharist. We attempted to abide by all the protocols. Governmental representatives participated in this celebration and were pleased with the manner in which this celebration unfolded.
This was the first time in our history that we had two ordinations during the same year and hopefully in the future, we can continue in this manner.
The following day, Sunday November 29, Father Gildo Paulino Macuacua celebrated his first Mass in Chongoene (Diocese of Xai-Xai) during which the cardinal bishop emeritus of the diocese, Dom Julio Duarte Langa was present.
May Saint Vincent de Paul bless us and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal protect us!
By: Father Francisco Armellini, CM
Vice-Province of Mozambique
