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Spanish Catholic Bishop Cautions Cape Verdean Migrants against Abandoning Cultural, Spiritual Roots while Abroad

Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos of the Catholic Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol in Spain. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Santiago

Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos of the Catholic Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol in Spain has urged Catholics in Cape Verde to preserve their cultural and spiritual roots even as many leave their homeland in search of better opportunities abroad.

In his homily during a Thanksgiving Mass for the Feast of St. Amaro Abade, the patron Saint of the city of Tarrafal in Cape Verde, Bishop Cadiñanos emphasized the importance of companionship in the journey of faith.

“I was told that many of you have left Cape Verde seeking work and opportunities elsewhere. The Feast of Saint Amaro reminds us not to abandon our roots but to hold on to what we learned here,” the Spanish Catholic Bishop said at the Wednesday, January 15 Mass that was celebrated in the Catholic Diocese of Santiago.

He added, “We must not abandon what has shaped us for good. Be faithful to your roots, your culture, your traditions, and your customs.” 

Bishop Cadiñanos encouraged Cape Verdeans to embody Christian values and bear witness to their Christian faith. 

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“Demonstrate the qualities of your people and the responsibilities of Christian values. Remain faithful to the lessons of your youth,” he said.

The Bishop who serves as President of the Episcopal Subcommission for Migration and Human Mobility in Spain is leading a delegation from his diocese on a sociocultural and pastoral exchange visit to the Diocese of Santiago from January 15 to 20. 

In his January 15 homily, Bishop Cadiñanos reflected on the importance of walking together, saying, “It seems to me that in Saint Amaro, each of us can discover the importance of accompaniment in faith. Each of us has been accompanied by many men and women, disciples of Jesus. Even though we recognize Christ as our only Master, we need concrete men and women in our lives who reveal and show us the face of God.” 

The 66-year-old Catholic Bishop invited the faithful to follow St. Amaro’s example by becoming companions in faith for others. 

“Each of us has received companions, and the challenge from Santo Amaro today is to be companions to others, helping them grow in faith,” he said. 

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The Catholic Church leader posed, “Are we willing to be companions ourselves, planting the seed of faith in this generation, wherever we live? Let us inspire faith in others by walking with them.”

Reflecting on the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis officially launched on the Eve of Christmas 2024, Bishop Cadiñanos said, “This year is a jubilee year, a year of hope for a people like yours who need so much hope.”

He continued, “Hope is not found in material or physical means but in the gifts of God.” 

The Bishop described hope as a gift that comes from above, “offered by Mary, who represents our hope, the Lord, who strengthens us to keep moving forward amid life’s challenges.”

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