Four Young Men Strengthen the Comboni Ranks in Mozambique

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Mons. Inácio Saúre, Metropolitan Archbishop of Nampula and President of the Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM). Also present were Fr José Joaquim Luís Pedro, provincial superior, and Fr José de Jesús Villaseñor Gálvez, general secretary for formation, who had travelled from Rome. Numerous confrères, priests, religious men and women, together with a large number of faithful, took part in the celebration. The liturgical hymns expressed the profound meaning of the event: praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of vocation given to these four young men. Indeed, God’s goodness never ceases to work wonders.

The Mission Requires Holiness

In his homily, archbishop Saúre emphasised that “the mission requires holiness and a witness of life.” He further underlined that the priesthood should not be seen as an achievement, but rather as an important stage towards the true goal: to be a good disciple of Jesus Christ at the service of the Kingdom of God.

Bearing in mind the youth of the ordinands, the prelate – after recalling the words of Pope Francis, “Young people are the now of God” – also encouraged them to value the wisdom and experience of the elderly. He added: “These brothers of ours are not ordained to solve all the social problems of families, whether their own or those of others,” because the true purpose of the mission is evangelisation, which includes spiritual, human and community dimensions.

Joy and Commitment

The assembly enthusiastically sang, in the Macua language, the hymn Elulu yopiwe nathapele Apwiya Muluku anira sottikiniha! (“Shout with joy, praising the Lord God who has worked wonders!”).

The families of the newly ordained expressed gratitude to God, who calls, welcomes and consecrates, and committed themselves to continue praying for their loved ones. They told them: “In days of weariness, do not forget that there is a family praying for you.”

Go Where No One Else Will Go

Fr José de Jesús also expressed his joy at seeing that God continues to call many young people, despite their fragility, to proclaim the Gospel to all the peoples of the earth. He encouraged the four young confrères not to forget the importance of this day and to remain available for mission, following in the footsteps of our Founder, Saint Daniel Comboni, especially among the poorest and most abandoned: “Today the Lord has placed the chalice and the bread in your hands… Never forget this day. Do not be afraid to go where no one else is willing to go.”

He concluded by reminding them that the mission is not an individual endeavour, but must always be lived in communion with others and with the whole Church: “You are never alone. Comboni and the whole Church walk with you.”

Father Sérgio Vilanculo, mccj