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Cape Verdean Catholic Parish Celebrates Four Years of Growth in Numbers, Vibrancy of Parishioners

t. Joseph Praia Parish in Cape Verde’s Catholic Diocese of Santiago

By João Vissesse

Santiago, 24 August, 2024 / 8:19 pm (ACI Africa).

The Parish Priest of St. Joseph Praia Parish in Cape Verde’s Catholic Diocese of Santiago has expressed his joy and gratitude for the increase in the number of the faithful under his care in just four years.

Speaking to journalists Wednesday, August 21 on the fourth anniversary of the Parish, Fr. Bruno Varela said the parish, located in the Tira Chapéu neighborhood, has also seen a “remarkable rise in parishioner engagement since its establishment.”

“The creation of the parish helped people to awaken their sense of belonging. In fact, they began to see the Church increasingly closer, thanks to the encouragement of our Bishop,”  Fr. Varela said.

He said the sense of closeness has been instrumental in drawing more people into the Church's fold. 

“We have witnessed a steady increase in the number of parishioners,” the Cape Verdean Catholic Priest, noting that the community's enthusiasm and involvement have been key to the parish's growth.

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He pointed out that the proximity of the parish has fostered a “stronger community spirit” and allowed the Church to become “more integrated into the daily lives of the people it serves.”

“People now feel that the Church is a part of their everyday life, not just a distant institution. This closeness has enabled us to better understand and address the social and spiritual challenges facing our community,” Fr. Varela said.

However, with the growth in parishioner numbers, new challenges have emerged, Fr. Varela said, acknowledging that the parish urgently needs additional infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demand for its services and to enhance its catechetical programs. 

“We feel the need for more physical structures,” he said, expressing concern that the current facilities are insufficient to meet the needs of the growing congregation.

The parish has initiated plans to construct a pastoral complex in Terra Branca and to remodel the existing house of prayer. 

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“The only physical structure we have is our church, which, though vital, has proven inadequate for our expanding community,” he said.

Fr. Varela said that in addition to infrastructure needs, the parish needs to update its approach to catechesis. 

He proposed a shift from a purely academic model to one that emphasizes discipleship and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

“We need to focus on a catechesis that is more of a discipleship type, making people adhere to Jesus Christ. It's not just about imparting knowledge; it's about fostering a living faith that guides people in their everyday lives,” he said.

To commemorate the fourth anniversary, the parish has organized a series of activities aimed at engaging the community and strengthening the bonds of faith. The celebrations will culminate in a Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, August 25 at 10:30 AM in the parish church. 

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Fr. Varela expressed his hope that these celebrations would serve as a moment of reflection and renewal for the entire community. 

“This anniversary is not just a milestone; it’s an opportunity for us to recommit ourselves to the mission of the Church. We want to continue growing together in faith, service, and love,” he said. 

João Vissesse

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