Dornelas do Zêzere celebrates the memory of Comboni Brother Joaquim Gaspar

Brother Gaspar, as he was generally known among us, died in what was then Zaire, today the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 47 years ago, on 16 September 1979, from cerebral malaria. He had arrived in that African country only two years earlier.

A serene and radiant missionary

Had he been alive, Brother Gaspar would have celebrated the golden jubilee of his Perpetual Profession, made together with Brothers Alfredo do Rosário and Humberto Rua in the Chapel of the Miracle in Santarém, on August 15, 1976, the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady.

After his basic formation in Portugal, Spain and Italy, he studied at the Commercial and Industrial School of Viseu while working as a formator of candidates to become Comboni Brothers. He always had a serene and radiant presence.

After learning French in Paris, he left for Zaire in 1977 and was assigned to Isiro. He had a particular gift for working with young people. He worked in the mission garage and animated the youth, especially through sport.

According to his confrères, his witness continued after his death, and his grave became a place of devotion. This devotion is still shared today by his family, who invoke him in moments of particular difficulty.

A simple tribute

The tribute took place during the parish Mass in Dornelas do Zêzere and was presided over by the Provincial Superior, Father José Rebelo. The two parish priests of Angolan origin were unable to attend: one was on holiday in Angola, while the other took the opportunity to celebrate the Eucharist in the other villages entrusted to his care.

During the homily, Father Rebelo spoke, as suggested by the day’s readings, about forgiveness and how it “is the only way for us to be good to ourselves, to experience peace and joy”; and about how “when we are unable to forgive ourselves, we block God’s forgiveness and healing love”.

He recalled the common experience that “forgiveness is not easy, especially when the wound is very deep and our feelings are hurt”. Therefore, “forgiveness is a choice and often involves a process – one that requires time, prayer and effort. What is asked of us is to begin the healing through forgiveness as an act of the will”.

After the concluding prayer, Fr Rebelo briefly introduced the ten Combonis who were present. Father Manuel Augusto then recalled two moments when he met Brother Gaspar: the first, when the Provincial asked him to take the news of his death to his mother, and how she received the sad news with restrained sorrow; and the second, when, paid by the weekly Expresso, with which he was collaborating at the time, he had the opportunity to visit Congo, see Brother Gaspar’s work in Isiro and witness his enthusiasm.

In the speech that followed, the eldest brother, speaking on behalf of the family, recalled what may have been the origin of Brother Gaspar’s missionary, Comboni – and mechanical – vocation.

The car belonging to the Comboni vocation promoter broke down after a visit to the Primary School of Dornelas do Zêzere, while crossing the river, and had to be towed by a team of oxen. The missionary ended up staying in the village until the car was repaired, and the young Joaquim may have seen this as a sign that he should study mechanics for the mission!

The Eucharistic celebration was followed by lunch at a well-known restaurant in the neighbouring village of Janeiro de Cima. It brought together the missionaries and the family, to whom we express our affection and gratitude for this opportunity for fellowship and missionary animation.

Fr José Rebelo, MCCJ