New young missionary brothers in Brazil

On the 5th Sunday of Lent, 17 March 2024, at Mass in the parish of Sagrados Corações Santuário Arquidiocesano da Saúde e da Paz, at the Church of Padre Eustáquio in Belo Horizonte-Minas Gerais, Brazil, the Brothers CMM of the Region of Brazil presented to the parish community the four new young Timorese missionaries – Br. Avelino Maia Soares, Br. Felix Benevides Tilman, Br. Gabriel Fatima Soares and Br. Marcelino Martins – who arrived in Brazil at midnight on 5 March.

Mass was presided over by Pastor Alexandre, ss.CC and all the brothers were present, including Br. Damasus Dobat, member of the general board, who is on a working visit to the region. The presentation took place at the beginning of Mass with a brief historical context and explanation by Br. Henrique Matos about the arrival of the four brothers in Brazil, followed by a presentation by Br. Rosario de Jesus Martins. Besides parishioners, some friends and acquaintances of the brothers, such as the young Ambassadors WWB, were also present at this Mass.

Brother Gabriel:

I feel happy and joyful because I experience that God always guides and blesses me. Furthermore, I see that the people present at Mass were also happy to meet the brothers and could celebrate with them. For me and my three fellow brothers, this was the first Mass in Brazil. I found it a special experience because it was my first time sitting together with brothers and priest at the altar.

As I stood in front of the altar, I felt a bit of shame and fear. But at the same time, I feel grateful because I feel accepted and welcomed here in Brazil by the brothers and the parish community. The Mass also gave me inspiration and motivation for my religious life.

It makes me happy that young and experienced brothers are always beside me in my daily activities. For me, the presentation at Mass was a nice surprise as I did not expect such a celebration and I thank God for this opportunity.

Brother Marcelino:

I would like to express my deep gratitude for this Mass in which the four of us were introduced to friends and the parish community. I can say that it marks a new story in our life in this new mission. Personally, I feel that everything happened according to God’s will. I also want to say that this celebration was very special because the priest allowed us to sit with him in front of the altar. That made me feel proud.

Brother Avelino:

I feel proud because as a brother, wherever I go, I always gain new experiences. I felt happy when I walked to the altar because when I looked right and left, I saw many different people. This made me realise that as a brother, I can have many brothers and sisters. This makes me strong and enthusiastic in fulfilling my vocation to be a good Brother CMM and always be ready for wherever the congregation sends me.

Being a missionary is good for me, and the presentation celebration showed what it means. Even though there is a great distance between Timor Leste and Brazil, I am not afraid to step into this new world. I am proud of my vocation as a religious and especially as a Brother CMM and as a missionary, despite the many challenges on this new journey of life.

Brother Felix:

Today at our first presentation, I was able to meet many people from the parish. I was very happy when the priest gave Brother Henrique the opportunity to explain the history and development of our congregation, the history of Timor Leste, and why the four of us came here to Brazil. And Brother Rosario mentioned each of us by name. Furthermore, I am happy to see that everyone present at Mass enjoyed hearing and understanding our vocation and this is a reason for joy in my vocation.

As a Timorese, I am proud because although we are from a small country, we can show people something serious and different through our vocation as Brothers CMM. In short, my feeling this Sunday is one of great joy, which I cannot quite put into words.