The Catholic Church in Brazil celebrates August as the Month of Vocations, and so it was fitting that the Congregation of Holy Cross’s District of Brazil joyfully celebrated two priestly ordinations this month: Fr. José Soares da Silva Filho, C.S.C., on August 9, and Fr. Valman Fernandes Barbosa, C.S.C., on August 25.

Leading up to the Ordinations, as a way of both preparing for them and promoting vocations, the District of Brazil celebrated a “Vocation Triduum” with three days of special prayer and activities to raise awareness of God’s call.

The Ordination of Fr. Soares took place in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Guadalajara, which is part of the municipality of Paudalho, Pernambuco. The Congregation runs the parish, as well as two socio-educational projects in the area, which is a part of the Diocese of Nazareth.

The Most Rev. Francisco de Assis Dantas de Lucena, Bishop of the Diocese of Nazareth, presided at the Ordination. Many diocesan and Holy Cross priests joined as concelebrants, including Fr. Alfredo Hermández Zavaleta, C.S.C., Superior of the District of Chile-Peru.

Along with the family and friends of Fr. Soares, Br. Ronaldo Almeida, C.S.C., Superior of the District of Brazil, led a strong contingent of Holy Cross religious in attendance. They were joined by a significant number of parishioners from the various communities of the parish for both the Mass and the reception that followed.

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The following day, August 10, Fr. Soares celebrated his Mass of Thanksgiving in the Mother Rose Community in Carpina, which belongs to the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Anne and is where Fr. Soares grew up and experienced the first stirrings of his vocation.Fr. Soares will continue serving in Our Lady Help of Christians Parish and the Congregation’s two socio-educational works in the Diocese of Nazareth. He will also continue leading Holy Cross’s vocational efforts in the region, which has produced several vocations for Holy Cross.

Fr. Fernandes’s Ordination on August 25, which is also his birthday, took place in his home parish of São José in the city of Lago da Pedra. The Ordination Mass was presided over by the Most Rev. Armando Martín Gutierrez, FMA, Bishop of the Diocese of Bacabal.

Led by Br. Almeida, a large contingent of Holy Cross Priests, Brothers, and Sisters, joined in the celebration, including Fr. Jim Gutierrez, C.S.C. from the District of Chile-Peru who is a novitiate classmate of Fr. Fernandes and Fr. Soares. The local community also came in large numbers to support one of their own. All joined in a festive lunch following the Mass.

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The Mass of Thanksgiving of Fr. Fernandes took place the following day in his village of Três Lagos. Everyone was welcomed with breakfast. Mass followed, and finally, there was a delicious barbecue lunch offered by the community.

Fr. Fernandes will continue his ministry in the city of São Paulo. In addition to helping at São José Parish, the Jaguaré Caminhos Programs, and Santa Cruz College, he will also work with the Office of Family Rosary.