- svd-prms
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- November 14, 2024
Celebrating 75 Years of Mission: SVD Portuguese and Spanish Provinces Unite in Fatima
The song Adeste fideles sung by the Sing Philippines Youth Choir set the tone for the provincial assembly that took place from November 11 to 15 at the SDivine Fátima Hotel.
The joint provincial assembly of Portugal and Spain had the task of reflecting on the document of the XIX General Chapter 2024: Your light must shine before others (Mt 5,16) – Faithful and creative disciples in a wounded world.
The work carried out by groups began to reveal personal, community, social and environmental wounds. In plenary, each group was able to present their diagnosis and find cures to alleviate the pain.
Everything took place in a serene and open atmosphere of fraternal correction. Everyone was committed to finding the Light and the cure for every wound and the balm for every scar.
November14th was a special day: The culmination of the jubilee year of the 75 years of the SVD presence in Portugal.
The morning was spent with the presentation of the book Christianity, a history of reforms which brings together texts written by Fr. David Sampaio. The presentation was given by Dr. Cátia Tuna and Dr. António Camões Gouveia, History professors at the Catholic University of Lisbon.
The project began in February 2023 with the desire to honor Fr. David for his work as a committed historian, which makes him a man of citizenship practice, whose mission takes place in history itself.
The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Superior General Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro, marked the 75th anniversary of all those who passed through this Province and contributed, and continue to contribute, so that the charisma of Fr. Arnaldo Janssen continues to bear fruit of fidelity and missionary vitality.
In the afternoon of that same day was the blessing of the St. Joseph Institute, now remodeled as the Residence of the Community of Fatima. The blessing was presided over by his Eminence D. Rui Valério, Patriarch of Lisbon, and the ceremonial marker of the commemorative date was unveiled by Superior General Fr. Anselmo Ribeiro.
The jubilee celebration ended with the Prayer sung by the 75th Anniversary Musical Group and a festive dinner.
Fr. António Lopes, SVD
