Franciscans with new Provincial in Portugal – News
In a note published on its website, the Portuguese Province of the Franciscan Order reveals that Friar Fernando Valente da Silva Mota, born in S. João da Madeira, joined “at the age of 30 in the Franciscan Order, habit on October 4, 1982, coming to make his first religious profession on the 4th of October of the following year”.
He solemnly professed on October 19, 1986 and was ordained a priest on July 1, 1990, being until now Guardian of the Convento da Luz, in Lisbon, and a member of the previous Provincial Definitory.
“Throughout his life, roles were also shared by all, in the field of youth and vocation animation, area of formation of the temporarily professed, in the parish and sacrament, as well as in the Province’s office and pastoral care as prison chaplain”, adds the note, adds that “several fraternities have known the presence and commitment of this brother – Leiria, Luz, Silva Carvalho and Angra do Heroísmo”.
During the work of the Provincial Chapter, which began on Monday, the Franciscans have already approved an action of solidarity with the Franciscans in Ukraine and Russia.
“We cannot deviate from our witness, made with our gaze from our witness and our example, and affirm in the text of our ordeal, adding: “St Francis encouraged us to be close to those who suffer and this night, in time, you are for us heralds of the high values of humanity that unite all peoples, being also beacons of true fraternity and light that overcomes the darkness of evil”.