The Redemptorist Missionaries of Mozambique experienced an additional reason for joy on the feast of Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori: on August 1st, the first parish dedicated to the Saint in Mozambique was officially erected, entrusted to the pastoral care of the Redemptorist Missionaries.
The new parish belongs to the Diocese of Tete, in central Mozambique, bordering Malawi. The Redemptorists have been present in the Mananga District since 2012: upon their arrival, the Parish of Christ the King was established, with its headquarters in the town of Furancungo, the district capital. Initially, the missionaries served an area spanning over 100 kilometers.
Today the district has three parishes, all entrusted to the Redemptorist Missionaries: a great reason for joy, since they can carry out their mission in a place where the Redemptorist charism is particularly needed, becoming an authentic sign of the presence of Christ the Redeemer, especially among the most abandoned.
The new Parish of Saint Alphonsus is located in the town of Gandali, a community experiencing many difficulties and in need of an even more intense missionary presence. With the establishment of the new parish, the communities will be able to better organize themselves and continue their journey of growth in faith.
The feast day celebration on the 1st of August was presided over by Most Rev. Diamantino Guapo Antunes, IMC, Bishop of the Diocese of Tete. During the celebration, Father Raul Jackson, C.Ss.R., officially assumed the office as the first parish priest, along with the other Redemptorist confreres who serve in the mission of the Tete province.
In his homily, the Bishop explained two reasons for choosing Saint Alphonsus as the new parish’s patron: first, because he is one of the great saints in the history of the Church; second, because the Redemptorists in Mozambique deserve a parish dedicated to their founder, in recognition of their missionary service and their fidelity to the charism he inspired.
Thus, the Redemptorist Missionaries of Mozambique celebrated the feast of Saint Alphonsus with great joy and hope, renewing their commitment to serving the People of God in Gandali.
Fr. Antonio Vinícius Alves Faustino, C.Ss.R.
