New Monastery for the Poor Clares in Mozambique

MILANGE, Mozambique – Msgr. Hilário de la Cruz Massinga, OFM, bishop of Quelimane, had the solemn blessing and consecration of the monastery for the Sacramentine Capuchin Poor Clares on July 13, 2008 in Mozambique. Brothers Jorge José Sacala of Mozambique, Graciano de Angeli of Angola as well as the Definitor General for the region, Br. Vicente Kiaziku and many other friars and some diocesan clergy were present for the celebration. There was a large crowd of the faithful also outside of the monastery when the bishop arrived in procession to receive the keys to open the door. Then, all entered the chapel, which is in the center of the building. After this, the well-prepared liturgy with Franciscan simplicity followed in Portuguese and Chichewa, the local language. During a period of thanksgiving after the reception of the Eucharist, while the Magnificat was sung in Chichewa, there was a beautiful liturgical dance by young people, who were dressed like angels.

 

A very moving time for the Poor Clares came when the relics of St. Veronica Giuliani and Blessed Florida Cevoli were placed at the foot of the altar in a reliquary made out of a trunk of a tree. These relics were placed here like seeds which are destined to produce the fruits of life and of holiness.

 

In his homily, Msgr. Hilário highlighted the meaning of a contemplative monastery as a privileged place to meet God and to praise the Creator. It is like a frontier between heaven and earth. The General Minister, Br. Mauro Jöhri, who is the successor of St. Francis for the Capuchin Family, was not lacking for this celebration in that Br. Vicente Kiaziku, the General Definitor for Africa, delivered a message and a blessing on behalf of Br. Mauro.

 

For the Sacramentine Capuchin Poor Clares in Milange, this day will always be memorable milestone in the history of the community.

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