Perpetual vows and diaconate ordination of Raphael Vígolo

On August 9, in the parish of Nossa Senhora das Graҫas, in the Archdiocese of Porto Velho, Rondonia-Brazil, the Comboni scholastic Raphael Gemelli Vígolo made his perpetual profession.

“It was a very beautiful celebration. The community, his family, representatives of various congregations and priests of the archdiocese of Porto Velho attended,” said Fr. Alcides Costa, provincial superior of the Comboni Missionaries in Brazil.

At the time of his witness, Raphael said: “I am very happy to give my life to the missions in the Comboni Institute in order to serve the poorest and most abandoned.”

The next day, Archbishop Esmeraldo Barreto de Farias of Porto Velho, ordained him a deacon. The ceremony took place in the community of Our Lady of Aparecida, in Baixo Madeira, in the municipality of Porto Velho.

“It was a very beautiful feast – said the provincial – in the “cathedral” of mango trees, along the river Madeira. Many people from Porto Velho, the local community and nearby areas attended.

The archbishop highlighted the importance of the missionary vocation in the Church, inviting all present to commit themselves to the search for many and holy vocations to the priestly ministry, the consecrated religious life, family life and lay ministry.

Following the Mass, the community, as a fraternal gesture, offered to all participants a substantial meal typical of the area.

Fr. Alcides Costa concluded, “May this ordination to the diaconate and the gift of Raphael to the missionary service serve as a stimulus for many young people who are searching for meaning in their own lives.”

“I am very happy to give my life to the missions in the Comboni Institute
in order to serve the poorest and most abandoned”, said Raphael at the time of his witness.