On Saturday, May 10, our confrere Almiro de Sousa was ordained a priest, through the imposition of the hands of the Bishop of Santarém, Dom Flávio Giovenale.  The service was held in Almiro’s home community, Of the Holy Spirit, on the outskirts of Santarém.  All the members of the Vicariate and about 200 members of the community, with Almiro’s family and friends, attended the ceremony.  In his homily, the Bishop spoke about the image of the Good Shepherd.  As priests, we are to be called to be a “Good Shepherd” for the people and the shepherd is called to serve and to know “his” people and learn with them.

The following day, Good Shepherd Sunday, Fr. Almiro celebrated his first Mass with his home community. The service was very simple, but a very warm reception in the middle of the small community.

Fr. Almiro is the third Brazilian member of the Vicariate.  Our heartiest congratulations and blessings to Fr. Almiro and may he have strength and endurance on his way as a Missionary of the Precious Blood.

Text and Photo courtesy of Michael Rohde, CPPS