Mozambique – Fr Fidelio Artur Becomes the First Comboni Priest from Carapira

Carapira parish, dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, was founded by the Comboni missionaries on 29^th November 1948. At the time, it belonged to the diocese of Nampula, which was elevated to the status of archdiocese in June 1984. In 1991, Carapira became part of the newly established diocese of Nacala. Today, it is one of the 23 parishes of this local Church and is home to both the Diocesan Pastoral Centre and the Carapira Industrial Technical Institute (ITIC), both run by the Comboni missionaries.

Fidelio Artur was born on 4^th March 1995 in Micolene, one of the localities within the municipality of Nacala-a-Velha. He studied theology in Kinshasa from 2020 to 2024. He made his perpetual vows in July 2025 and, five months later, was ordained a deacon. His priestly ordination carries particular significance, as he is the first Comboni priest born within the territory of Carapira parish.

For this reason, on 23^rd May the parish church proved too small to accommodate the large number of faithful who wished to take part in the celebration of Fidelio Artur’s ordination. The celebration was presided over by Bishop Alberto Vera Arejula. Among the concelebrants were Fr José Joaquim Luís Pedro, Provincial Superior, and Fr Zębik Krzysztof Adam, Provincial Bursar of South Sudan, where Fidelio will soon be sent on mission.

In his homily, the bishop described the event as a great celebration of communion, the fruit of the tireless work of many priests and religious sisters who have devoted their lives to the cause of the Gospel. Drawing on the readings of the day, he highlighted the meaning of the priesthood as a divine calling and choice, and invited priests, religious, lay faithful and civil authorities alike to be authentic witnesses to Jesus and his Resurrection.

Addressing the ordinand, he stated that priestly ministry is a path of service and love: “All of us are friends of God, but that is not enough. A good Christian must learn to serve and to love; a good priest must learn to serve and to love; a good bishop must learn to serve and to love. This is the most important thing.” He also emphasised the importance of prayer, community life and apostolic zeal.

Addressing the parents, and particularly the mother, the bishop said: “The mother of a priest is one of the pillars supporting her son’s priestly life. Therefore, Fidelio’s mother, pray that your son may remain faithful to his vocation.”

The entire celebration was a wonderful moment of grace, joy and missionary enthusiasm. The family of the newly ordained priest stressed that this ordination should not be regarded as a personal achievement, but rather as a gift from God and an honour for both the community and the Church. “It is within the family that everything begins and is strengthened day by day,” they recalled, adding, however, that “a priest is consecrated to serve the whole holy People of God; this is always a noble and beautiful mission, despite the difficulties and risks it entails.”

Also present at the celebration was the Administrator of Monapo, Emanuel Impissa, who led the singing of the Makua hymn Nyuwo muthanliwa (“You are the chosen one”). He expressed his satisfaction at seeing the Church continue to grow and renewed his appeal for it to keep supporting the education of young people, who today face many forms of violence, through moments of prayer and formative gatherings.

For his part, Fr José Joaquim expressed his joy by singing Nohakalala Apwiya nohakalala, / notteliwa murima notteliwa (“We are happy, Lord, / our hearts are filled with joy”). He reminded the ordinand and those present that the site of the celebration, near the cemetery of Carapira, is sacred ground where some of the pioneering missionaries of this mission are buried. He also offered four pieces of advice to the new priest: master the language; discipline your heart; avoid a hidden or double life; and bear good witness to the People of God. Finally, he announced that Fidelio’s first missionary assignment would be South Sudan.

Invited to address the assembly, Fr Krzysztof expressed his gratitude to the major superiors for assigning Fr Fidelio to South Sudan, a country currently going through very difficult times. It is precisely in such a context, he said, that missionaries are called to evangelise and bear witness to the Gospel. He added: “The very name South Sudan may inspire fear, but my presence here should be seen as a sign of the vitality of the mission that exists there.” He also assured those present that “Fr Fidelio will be in good hands” and encouraged his confrere to be “courageous, patient, humble, and to love from the very beginning the people among whom he will work.”

Visibly moved, the newly ordained priest concluded: “My heart is full of joy, and I am deeply grateful to all those who have supported me throughout my formation journey through prayer, friendship, and countless acts of generosity.”

Fr Sérgio Mário Vilanculo, MCCJ