Perpetual vows and diaconate ordination of Sc. Deivith Harly Zanioli Gonçalves

Fr Jovercino Sirqueira, the representative of the provincial superior of Brazil Fr Dario Bossi was present to receive the final vows. In his homily, he emphasised the values of the religious life in the Spirit of poverty, chastity and obedience. The evangelical Council, he added should lead Sc. Deivith to be ready to accept and go where he will be assigned.

On the following Day, the diaconate ordination took place in the indigenous Community of Vista Alegre in the Maloca (an open spaced structure for the Community meetings). It is a symbolic gesture for us Comboni missionaries in Brazil to reaffirm the essence of mission as preferential option for the indigenous people. The colourful celebrations started with the procession of the traditional dances and the mass was presided by the Archbishop Dom Roque Paloschi, of Porto Velho-Rondônia where sc. Deivith comes from. Explaining the gospel of the day, Archbishop Dom Roque emphasised the aspect of Love, which has the dimensions of loving God and the neighbour. In the same spirit of love, he encouraged the deacon to serve the people entrusted to him with humility and love.

This celebration took place within the context of which the Comboni missionaries are celebrating seventy years since their arrival in Brazil. Those present were the Family members of Sc. Deivith from Rondônia, diocesan administrator, the diocesan vocation director, various priests, religious men and woman as well the lay people from the various parishes and missionary areas. We thank the Lord for the gift of missionary vocation in the Church.

Fr. Teddy Keyali Njaya, mccj