Belo Horizonte, Brazil – On the eve of the Solemnity of Pentecost, May 22, 2021, brothers of the Brazil region had the great happiness of celebrating two important events: the 25 years of Consecrated Religious Life of Frater Damasus Dobat, CMM and the renewal of the vows of Brother Faria Sarmento, CMM.
As is well known, statistically our country is still one of the countries that has the most cases in terms of contamination and high numbers of deaths caused by COVID-19. So, following all the requirements and recommendations for preventing the transmission of the virus, we had a simple celebration, but it was significant and full of light of the Holy Spirit in the chapel of the São Vicente house, Belo Horizonte-Minas Gerais. The celebration was chaired by Father Marcos Vinícius, SScc and all the brothers of the region and some friends were present.
In the homily, we were guided by Brother Henrique, CMM to realize the importance of the history of the congregation, the founding spirit of Bishop Zwijsen and called attention to us not to fall into temptation in the advances of the current century, that is, if we are not careful, we may end up falling into a shallow, liquid and baseless life.
In recent years, the region has been going through transitions that challenge the way we live, think, work and project the future. Therefore, Brother Henrique reminds us of the example of our founder, that is, we must surrender and have total trust in God.
The Mass ended with thanks from the Jubilee. In Brother Damasus’ speech, he recalled that 25 years of a life of total surrender to God, was neither easy nor difficult, as he perceived the constant presence of who called him in his daily life and mission. The life of prayer (private and community) and the community life were the main force to overcome the challenges and reach 25 years of religious life.
Brother Faria thanked God and the congregation for giving him the opportunity to live and follow Jesus in this congregation. For him, in face of difficulties, he took the strength and spirit out of community life and daily encounter with God to move forward with the mission entrusted to him.
Brother Rosario