Santiago, 17 January, 2025 / 10:14 pm (ACI Africa).
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.