Newly Ordained Deacon in Cape Verde Urged to Be Attentive to “concrete needs of the people”

Santiago, 03 February, 2026 / 2:59 AM

The Bishop of Cape Verde’s Catholic Diocese of Santiago has urged a newly ordained Deacon to ground his ministry in humble and faithful service by remaining close to people’s daily realities and responding attentively to their “concrete needs”.

In his homily during the Diaconate Ordination of Seminarian Emanuel da Costa, Arlindo Cardinal Gomes Furtado urged him to embrace service, humility, and availability as defining marks of the Diaconate, stressing that the Church needs ministers who are truly committed to the good of the people of God.

“The Diaconal Ministry has its own identity. The Deacon is, par excellence, the community's servant. This service must be visible in closeness to people and in attention to the concrete needs of the people,” Cardinal Furtado said during the February 1 Eucharistic celebration that was held at St. Amaro Abade Parish of Santiago Diocese.

Enumerating the specific responsibilities of the Diaconate Ministry, he recalled that the Deacon is called to proclaim the Word, serve at the altar, and exercise charity. 

The Catholic Church leader added that it also falls to the Deacon to “distribute the Eucharist, celebrate Baptism, assist at Marriage, preside at funerals, bring Viaticum, and visit the sick.”

The Local Ordinary of Santiago further emphasized that the Deacon-elect must be prepared to collaborate closely with the Bishop and the Priests in pastoral service, underlining that “ministry is always exercised in communion with the Church.”

Turning to the spiritual dimension of ministry, the Cardinal insisted that “prayer is indispensable to sustain fidelity to one’s vocation,” stressing that “without a life of prayer, service runs the risk of losing its meaning.” 

He therefore encouraged the Deacon-elect to cultivate a constant relationship with God.

Cardinal Furtado also warned of the difficulties and trials that may arise along the journey, recalling Jesus’ words to the disciples amid the storm. “It is I. Do not be afraid.”

He affirmed that “these words remain relevant for those who dedicate themselves to the service of the Church.

The Cardinal emphasized that the ordination of new ministers is a sign that the Church remains alive and on mission, recalling that “God continues to count on people who are available to collaborate in the pastoral care of communities and in service to the faithful.”

Cardinal Furtado noted that ministry in the Church “must not be understood as a privilege or a space for personal prominence.”

The 76-year-old Cardinal warned against living service superficially or complacently, stressing “the demand for fidelity and coherence.” 

Referring to the struggle against sin and the challenges of Christian life, he stated that “a follower of Jesus, a disciple of Jesus, must resist to the point of shedding blood in the struggle against sin.”

Cardinal Furtado emphasized that “service requires perseverance and constant self-giving.” 

He added that ministry entails total availability, noting that Christ “spent his life serving and, in the end, gave his life,” and noting that “whoever is called to serve the Church must be willing to take on sacrifices and renunciations.”