A big feast of Marist vocation was celebrated in Matola, Mozambique, on Dec. 3, namely the perpetual profession of native Brother Mario Sábado Valía and the first Marist profession of eight youths: António Armando Maveze, Rufino Macimcuele Paulo and Raimundo Gerónimo (from Mozambique), Golden Tati (Zambia), Joseph Lazarus Petro and Aubrey Chimangeni Chapata (Malawi), Blessed Vambe Kudakwashe and Mugove Chibengwa (Zimbawe).

 

The day centred on the Eucharistic celebration, which was animated by the choir of first year novices, a group of dancers, several Marist symbols and many expressions of faith. 

 

A beautiful poster presided over the church, with a significant phrase, chosen by the novices who were going to make their profession, which said, “We are Marist Brothers for the most disadvantaged.”

 

Almost all of the Marist Brothers present in Mozambique, many religious, family members, neighbours and friends witnessed and participated in the celebration, which took place in the parish of Saint Gabriel the Archangel and which was presided by the Archbishop of Maputo, Archbishop Francisco Chimoio O.F.M. Cap. The parish priest and several other priests, who are friends of the Brothers, concelebrated. The provincial superior of Southern Africa, Brother Norbert Mwila, received the vows on behalf of the superior general.

 

A fraternal lunch followed with nearly 300 guests at the Novitiate of Matola and was used as an occasion to continue to share experiences and to express their love towards Br Mario and the eight neo-professed Brothers with songs, presents and speeches.

 

Br Mario is currently destined to the Community and College of Bilene, a secondary school with 700 students.

The eight neo-professed Brothers will now have time to visit their families and then a few months of community experience until they join the MIC in Nairobi next month to continue their Marist formation.