“A moment of rebirth”: Carmelite Sisters on 65th Anniversary in Mozambique

Maputo, 14 March, 2024 / 7:23 PM

The Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (OCARM) in Mozambique are celebrating what they have described as “a moment of rebirth” as the Congregation marks its 65th anniversary in the southern African country.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 12 to Rádio e Televisão Encontro, Sisters Egídia Alexandre Paulino and Sara Zacaria Daniel, representing the congregation, spoke about the importance of the yearlong Jubilee celebrations that started in May 2023.

“It's a moment of rebirth for us. It's a spiritual rebirth for us, we're moving towards new strengths, new experiences with new visions, so it's a very important moment,” Sr. Sara said.

She added, “We would like to continue to ask for your prayers, the prayers of each and every one of you, which count a lot so that this can come true and become a reality in the coming days.”

On her part, Sr. Egidia highlighted some of the activities of the jubilee celebration.

“Since May 2023, various activities have been taking place, in each community, throughout the country. Each community is trying to make its own plan, because we are in different communities,” Sr. Egidia said.

She added, “Our community here in Nampula city is putting more emphasis on formation, on what our charism is, our history, our origins. We study with our laity every 15 days and we also do vocation promotion, going through the communities to update our charism and make those who don't know or have forgotten aware of it.”

The Mozambican Catholic nun said, “Our pastoral work is more inclined towards the sick in this way emphasizing the glorification of God with our lives and we always try to live our mission rigorously, living up to the Pope's challenge of an outgoing Church.”

In Mozambique the Carmelites are in four communities; one in Matuto town and another in the district of Matutuíne. In Nampula Archdiocese, there are two communities; one in Namapa and the other in Nampula city.     

“On Sundays we go to the communities to promote vocations, inviting those who want to be Carmelites and even lay people to be part of our congregation. We will continue to do this until May 13, which is the last day of this Jubilee year.,” she said.

According to Sr. Sara, the Carmelite mission in Mozambique began with four mothers and has expanded over the past 65 years.

“The mission has been expanding. The graces have spread until they reach us today,” the OCARM member said.

She added, “We believe that as time goes by, we will extend our mission, because we know that even in those provinces where we are not yet present, there are many people who need to receive this glorification from God.”