On January 5-6, 2024, a formation meeting for the Custody’s men in formation was conducted in São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil. The event included moments of prayer, conviviality, discussion, faith and free time.
Twenty-two postulants and post-novices participated in this collaborative and fraternal formation meeting. Others present included the Vocation Director, Friar Felipe Vitor TORRES DE LIMA; and the Provincial Custos, Friar Roberto HONORATO OLIVEIRA DOS REMÉDIOS. Friar Roberto thanked the vocation ministry team for its work in the Custody and then started the formation meeting.
He talked about the work the vocation ministry team does and the realities that vocations face. This Custodial event also served to welcome new postulants from various regions of Brazil and other countries. During this meeting, Eucharistic Adoration and the communal recitation of the rosary were especially meaningful.
On January 6, 2024, the Custody founded a new mission in Nova Timboteua, Pará State, Brazil. Friar Carlito DO NASCIMENTO SILVA was installed as the Pastor and Friar Francisco SALES ARAÚJO as the Associate Pastor. The Most Reverend Carlos VERZELETTI, Bishop of Castanhal, Para State, Brazil, presided over Mass, which was attended by the friars and men in formation.
On January 7, 2024, Friars Henrique SANTOS DE LIMA and Lucas DOS SANTOS SILVA professed their solemn vows. Solemn profession is a sublime act of love and total self-giving offered to God through consecration. On the altar, the candidates signed a document certifying the legal act of their profession and then they were prayed over and confirmed by the Provincial Custos.
On January 8-12, a missionary week took place with the candidates of the Custody. The mission was held at the São Francisco de Assis Church in Bom Jardim, Diocese of Zé Doca, Brazil.
We thank the Lord for these Custodial events held at the beginning of the year.
Friar Henrique SANTOS DE LIMA