“Historic, moment of ecclesial communion”: Catholic Bishop in Cape Verde on 21-Day Pastoral Visit to São Vicente Island

The Portuguese-born Catholic Bishop recalled meetings with the people of God in their respective institutions, including institutions of learning, government offices, firefighters, security agencies, and the prison. 

He also had encounters with the elderly, children, and the sick. “Wherever we went, there was a common theme—the joy of encounter,” he says in the video recording shared on February 23.

Bishop dos Santos notes that in many places, people expressed a strong desire for more frequent Church presence than it currently is.

“In some schools, for example, where there are no classes on Moral and Catholic Culture, educators approached us saying, ‘We would love to have this here, based on what we have been seeing and hearing.’ Such requests are a sign of the deep spiritual thirst within our communities,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Addressing the Clergy ministering in the three Parishes, Bishop dos Santos envisioned a strategic approach to fostering collaboration with all Catholic institutions to strengthen the pastoral mission of the Church.

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He says, “Following this visit, we have made a commitment. The Priests, who were with me will sit down, draft a report, and discuss how we can continue this partnership and cooperation.”

“Institutions have expressed a strong desire to collaborate, and we, as a Church, must embrace this. We are in a time of Synodality, and walking together is at the heart of our mission,” he adds.

In the video recording, the Catholic Bishop goes on to recall a similar experience during his 15-day pastoral visit to Santo Antão in December 2024, noting that it reinforced the same theme of the multi-year Synod on Synodality that was concluded on 27 October 2024 in Rome, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”

It is about “the joy of encounter and the hope that emerges when we come together, allowing God to work through us,” he says.

As the Catholic Diocese of Mindelo prepares to celebrate its Silver Jubilee, the Local Ordinary reaffirms his commitment to visiting all Parishes to strengthen their pastoral and spiritual life.

“Pastoral visits, rooted in Church tradition, are a way for the Bishop to express his closeness as a shepherd, to listen, accompany, provide guidance, and promote the spiritual renewal of his community,” he says in his video recording shared on February 23. 

Bishop dos Santos expressed appreciation to the Clergy, who accompanied him during his 21-day pastoral visit to the three Parishes, reiterating the joy he experienced in walking together with them in faith.

“God be praised for these three intense weeks. The same has been happening in other places, and we continue forward, strengthened by the hope that springs from our encounters,” he says.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.