“Holiness, vocation for all”: Vicar General at Silver Jubilee of Jesus Mary Joseph Congregation in Cape Verde

He noted that “the Saints are living models who inspire us to grow in faith and love. Saint Rita, for example, is a sublime example of humility, sacrifice, and fidelity to God and neighbor. Holiness transforms not only lives but also names and identities, as happened with Saul who became Paul, Simon who became Peter.”

“This shows us that the grace of God can renew and transform each one of us,” the Vicar General of Mindelo Diocese said.

Fr. Pereira also noted that “education is a sacred mission and a path of sanctification. To educate is an act of love and sacrifice that transforms both the educator and the student, and it is a precious service to society.”

It is therefore essential, he added, to remember that “holiness is a vocation open to all — young people, adults, Consecrated Persons, and lay people. It is not restricted to a spiritual elite, but it is a call to daily holiness, where every gesture of love, care, and service builds a path of sanctification.”

“We live in a permanent mission of forming lives, of caring for one another, and we are responsible, as the Little Prince teaches us, for what we have tamed. The Holy Spirit is our strength and guide on this journey, enlightening our hearts and giving us courage to persevere in faith,” the Catholic Priest said.

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The Vicar General underscored the importance of “living holiness in a realistic and concrete way, using the gifts we have and recognizing our limits, but always walking oriented towards God, with authentic and profound faith.”

Fr. Pereira invited JMJ members to remain steadfast in faith, in hope, and in mission, noting that “true holiness is made up of concrete gestures of love and commitment, and it is within the reach of each one of us, in our reality, with our gifts and limitations.”

“May we walk together, with the Holy Spirit guiding our steps, so that the light of Christ may shine in our lives and in the community we serve,” he implored.

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