Muanza Celebrates – Fr Carlos Máquina Ordained as the Area’s First Comboni Priest

The Eucharistic celebration took place in the hall of the Muanza Industrial and Commercial Institute and was presided over by Bishop António Manuel Bogaio Constantino, MCCJ, Bishop of Caia, who celebrated his first ordination since taking office. Concelebrating with him were Fr José Joaquim Luís Pedro, MCCJ, Provincial Superior, and Fr Izaias Machanguira, Parish Administrator. Civil and religious authorities were also present, together with a large gathering of the faithful.

Bishop António opened his homily with a particularly striking statement: “When God calls, He is serious.” He explained: “The priesthood is not a matter of power or prestige, but a mystery of generous dedication to God. For this reason, the people expect the priest to be authentic, morally upright, transparent, and ready to serve.”

Addressing the ordinand directly, he added: “The people expect closeness and holiness from you. You must love the poor and fall in love with the mission. Your founder, Comboni, used to say: ‘A missionary should have a thousand lives for the mission.’ You are becoming a priest not for yourself, but for others. Be a source of hope for the sick, wounded families, and those on the margins of society. Follow the example of Mary of Nazareth: like her, bring life, joy, and hope. Do not waste time on the Internet. Use your time to meet people, visit catechists, and spend time with the communities. Always remember that, if you are becoming a priest today, it is because, years ago, Someone passed through this place and called you.”

He continued: “You will not be spared suffering. You will experience moments of pain and loneliness. You will shed tears that the people will never see. You will go through dark nights. But the Lord will always be with you.”

Fr José Joaquim described the day as “a moment of great joy, crowning eighty years of Comboni presence in Mozambique”, and told Carlos: “You are the fruit of this history. Be a living memory of the Comboni charism. Always preserve the joy of service, because a sad priest convinces no one. Learn to be a brother before being a leader. Your life must be your most important sermon. Do not keep the Gospel closed in a drawer; take it into the streets.”

The diocesan clergy of Beira, represented by Fr Adelino Fernandes, also welcomed with joy this first priestly ordination in the parish, describing it as “a milestone in the history of Muanza and a living sign of God’s presence.” Since the establishment of the diocese in 1940 and the official erection of St Peter the Apostle Parish in 2004 by the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, followed by the arrival of diocesan priests in 2014, the Archdiocese of Beira had not recorded any priestly ordinations in this parish. Fr Fernandes also reminded the newly ordained priest: “Remember your motto: may this dwelling be a beloved home, a place of peace and of those who suffer.”

The Beira delegation of the Conferência dos Institutos Religiosos de Moçambique (CIRMO), the body that brings together and coordinates consecrated religious life in the country, represented by Fr António Dança Roda, expressed great joy at seeing new labourers entering the Lord’s vineyard. He wished that Fr Carlos Joaquim’s priesthood would be marked by fidelity to the Gospel, fraternal communion, and missionary zeal. He also expressed gratitude to Fr Carlos’s parents, whom he described as his “first seminary”, for their tireless nights of prayer.

The newly ordained priest also addressed the assembly, quoting St Thérèse of the Child Jesus: “Love is repaid only with love.” He said that his joy was difficult to contain. After thanking God, he reiterated his gratitude to Bishop Constantino for agreeing to ordain the first priest originating from Muanza and acknowledged that this moment was the fruit of the work of many people, to whom he feels deeply indebted. Addressing his parents, he said: “The Lord is very proud of you.” He concluded by recognising the grace of God’s merciful gaze and affirming that the priesthood is not an achievement but the beginning of a new stage in life.

Maria Almija Rodrigues Pulseira, Administrator of Muanza, highlighted the profound significance of the ceremony for all the inhabitants of the area, as a son of their land had received the grace and honour of becoming a priest. Addressing the newly ordained priest, she said: “Live your mission with humility, wisdom, a spirit of service, and fidelity to Christ’s teachings. May your priestly ministry be a source of reconciliation, peace, and strengthened faith for all the faithful.”

The people expressed their gratitude to God for having witnessed “such a great blessing” and sang Inhaxa dza mwana komana (“thank you for this son”), recognising that everything is God’s grace and expressing the hope that more vocations may arise in the future.

Fr Sérgio Mário Vilanculo, MCCJ