Dom Walmor Leads Missionary Mass Sending Father João Batista to Araguaia Diocese
On January 28, Dom Walmor presided over a missionary mass to send Father João Batista Leocádio da Silva to the Diocese of Santíssima Conceição do Araguaia in Pará, Brazil. The event gathered and moved the faith communities from the Paróquia Santo Inácio de Loyola and São Judas Tadeu in the Maria Helena neighborhood of Ribeirão das Neves, where Father João Batista served as pastor.
Significance of the Missionary Sending
During his homily, Dom Walmor reflected on the Parable of the Sower from the Gospel of Matthew. He emphasized that the Word of God bears good fruit when it finds “a good heart.” He stated, “We are not just recipients of the Word; we are also sowers. Therefore, we build churches and strengthen community networks to proclaim the Word.”
Father João Batista’s Commitment
The archbishop praised Father João Batista’s response to the call for evangelization in the Diocese of Santíssima Conceição do Araguaia. This gesture is key to sowing the Word in many hearts. The request for a missionary priest from the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte was made by Bishop Dominique Marie Jean Denis You, who leads the Diocese of Santíssima Conceição do Araguaia.
Dom Walmor welcomed this request, demonstrating the unity and communion with the Church in Northern Brazil. Father João Batista expressed his gratitude to Dom Walmor and the communities he served. He shared his emotions regarding his new assignment, emphasizing that being a priest means being a presence and bridge that reveals God’s love.
Community Blessing
At the conclusion of the mass, Dom Walmor took time to welcome each family in the presbytery to bless their children. This act highlighted the importance of community and familial ties in the life of the church.
