The Congregation of Holy Cross’s District of Brazil celebrated World Day for Consecrated Life on 2 February in grand fashion with the Final Profession of Br. Severino Borges de Souza, C.S.C. The day is also the anniversary of the Final Profession of the Congregation’s first canonized saint, St. André Bessette.

The Mass of Final Profession was held at Santo André Bessette Chapel at Colégio Notre Dame in Campinas, São Paulo. Fr. José de Souza Paim, C.S.C., a member of the District Council, presided.

Br. Ronaldo Almeida, C.S.C., Superior, received Br. Severino’s Final Vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience according to the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and presented him with the medal of St. Joseph as the sign of his final incorporation into the Congregation. The Holy Cross Brothers have St. Joseph as their special patron.

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Joining Br. Severino’s family and the members of the District of Brazil at the liturgy were several Holy Cross Sisters, other consecrated men and women, and many colleagues and friends of both Br. Severino and the Congregation.

Following the festive reception and meal after the Mass, the members of the District began their annual retreat in the evening at the Jesuit Retreat House in Itaici, São Paulo.

Br. Severino Borges de Souza, C.S.C., was born in Recife, Pernambuco, in Brazil. He made First Vows on 7 January 2021 after his novitiate in Peru. Br. Severino graduated from Uninabuco College with a degree in Pedagogy, and he has also done postgraduate work in education management. A man of prayer, he has great devotion to St. Joseph, Our Lady of Sorrows, and St. John of the Cross. Br. Severino has had a variety of ministerial experiences, spanning the parochial, educational, and social sectors. Following his Final Profession, Br. Severino will continue working at the ColégioSanta Cruz in São Paulo and in the Jaguaré Caminho Program. He will also assist with the District's vocational promotion.