“We are called to live for Christ, to spend ourselves entirely for his sake, to serve him and to make him known to others.” Saint Eugene of Mazenod.

On November 4, 2018 the Parish of Saint Eugene de Mazenod in the diocese of Campo Limpo – SP celebrated its 20 years of foundation. It was a time of grace for us Oblates and the parishioners to praise God for all the blessings He had poured upon the community during the past twenty years.

The Eucharistic celebration and the fellowship lunch were the highlights of the day. The current parish priest, Father José CÁSSIO, and his vicar Fr. José de PAULO, together with Oblate seminarians and the parishioners had organized the event beautifully. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr. Rubens Pedro CABRAL, the first Parish Priest, with the presence of Fr. Paulo MEDEIROS, who also served in the parish for many years.

This special occasion was considered, as the kairos to acknowledge and thank the laity, the Fathers, the Deacon, the Religious, and the Seminarians who have selflessly given themselves to the Parish. The fruits that we have been able to reap today were generated from the love, effort and dedication of many people of yester years. We remember with affection the beginning of this community and of so many Oblates, some already in eternity, who spared no effort to provide pastoral care in order to arrive thus far.

It was on November 1, 1998 that Bishop Emilio, Bishop of the Diocese of Campo Limpo, decreed the creation of our Parish of Saint Eugene de Mazenod. However, to count on greater participation of the faithful, we transferred the celebration to Sunday, November 4. Everybody gathered on that day, took time to remember stories, renew friendships, build bonds, and generate unity in communion and participation, thus building the kingdom of God among us!

Every celebration also has to be a moment to reaffirm our commitments. We too, took up with enthusiasm what Pope Francis asks us to be – to be an “outgoing Church”, a Church that reaches out; not concerned with itself, with its own structures and achievements, but rather able to go, to move, to find the children of God in their real situation and to heal  their wounds.

May Saint Eugene and Mary Immaculate protect us and intercede for us all! And may the Holy Spirit impel us on our mission, encouraging us in the years to come. I conclude with the spiritual testament of Saint Eugene de Mazenod: “Among you practice charity, charity and zeal for the salvation of souls”!

Fr. José de Paulo Viana, OMI
Parish Vicar of the Parish of Saint Eugene de Mazenod – Diocese of Campo Limpo – SP