Our Institute continues to flourish gradually in Angola, as on 1 August Brothers Agostinho Linhemo Miguel, André Pratício António Ângelo and Natalino D’Silva Anjo Bonito – all of Angolan nationality – celebrated their first religious profession.
The Mass took place at 9 am at Our Lady of Fátima Parish, where the new Brothers carry out their pastoral work, and was presided over by Capuchin Father Moises, Vicar for Religious of the Archdiocese. During the service, the rite of religious profession was celebrated. First, the novices donned the Institute’s traditional habit; they then read and signed the formula of religious profession; and finally, they received the cross and the Constitutions from Brother Juan Andrés Martos, delegate of the Superior General.
Following a lively thanksgiving service, which included a dance, speeches of thanks were given by one of the newly professed Brothers and by Brother Juan Andrés, Superior of the Community.
The ceremony was enlivened by a choir of former seminarians. Among those present were the Brothers and those in formation at our seminary, the family and friends of the professed Brothers, and a number of priests, men and women religious, and novices from well-known congregations.
Once the religious celebration had ended, all the guests went to the house of the Sisters of the Consolers of Jesus Christ, High and Eternal Priest, who had prepared a sumptuous banquet for us. After the toast and the cutting of the cake in the traditional Angolan style, the guests enjoyed the delicious meal in a spirit of fellowship.
Our most sincere congratulations to the new Brothers, and we pray that this “YES” may remain faithful over time and bear fruit for the good of the Church and Angolan society.
