At Chrism Mass, Catholic Priests Ministering in Mozambique’s Conflict-ridden Region Urged to “remain steadfast”

He added, “In times of crisis, you must become a light to the people. The people of Cabo Delgado are in deep darkness, and it is our mission to be that light. Be a sign of hope for all, offering comfort and spiritual strength.”

The Local Ordinary of Pemba Diocese since May 2022 following his 8 March 2022 transfer from Mozambique’s Catholic Archdiocese of Maputo, where he was serving as Auxiliary Bishop encouraged the Priests to be “true witnesses of faith.”

“Even in the face of violence and pain, remember that you are called to be instruments of peace, to promote reconciliation, and to bring the presence of God wherever you are. You are the bearers of the light of faith in times of darkness,” he said. 

The Mozambican Catholic Church leader continued, “I know the suffering is immense, and the situation is desperate for many, but it is precisely in this suffering that you must stand out.”

“Our faith is stronger than any adversity the world may offer us. Never forget that our mission is to bring the peace and hope of Christ,” Bishop Juliasse said.

In his April 16 anticipated Chrism Mass homily, the Catholic Bishop, who coordinated Pope Francis’ visit to Mozambique in September 2019 noted that even in the midst of all the challenges, “it is Christ’s love that must be proclaimed”.

For him, suffering can “never be greater than God’s love for us.”

He went on to express his closeness and that of the Church to missionaries in the conflict-ridden region of Cabo Delgado, saying, “I am here to support each one of you. You are not alone in this mission. Be united, for strength lies in unity.”

“In difficult times, it is essential that you share your concerns, your anguish, and also your joys. The fraternity among Priests is what gives us strength. Never forget that the Church stands with you. I am here not only as a Bishop but also as a brother, ready to help in whatever way is necessary—spiritually or otherwise,” Bishop Juliasse assured the Priests in Pemba Diocese.

He reminded the Priests of their essential role in the community. As Priests, he said, “Your presence is fundamental, especially now when the people of Cabo Delgado need you more than ever. Do not let fear or fatigue distance you from your mission.”

He continued, “The people need you; they need the Sacraments, the Word of God. Do not stop preaching; do not stop teaching; do not stop bringing the Eucharist to the people. Your presence in the communities is the presence of Christ, and that is essential.”

The 57-year-old Catholic Bishop emphasized the importance of prayer in Priestly ministry. 

He said, “Prayer is the key to everything. Without prayer, there is no mission. Without prayer, there is no strength.”

“I ask each one of you to maintain a constant life of prayer; a life of prayer that is the foundation of all your actions. In times of war and violence, it is in prayer that we find our strength; it is there that we find the courage to continue,” he said, and continued, “Prayer will always be what sustains us and gives us the grace to be faithful to our mission.”

Meanwhile, in Mozambique’s Catholic Diocese of Quelimane, Bishop Hilário da Cruz Massinga urged the Priests to prioritize prayer if they are to have success in their Priestly ministry.

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“Today, we renew our Priestly promises. What I ask of you, beloved sons, is to pray for us, so that this commitment, this service, this gift that we freely received from Jesus, may continue the work of faith that He carried out in the midst of society,” Bishop Massinga said during the April 16 anticipated Chrism Mass at Our Lady of Deliverance Cathedral of Quelimane Diocese.

He called for unity among the Priests and urged them to be “gentle instruments for the mission.”

“May we be united. May we know how to use the talents the Lord has given us, not for our own benefit, but for the good of humanity and of our country. May we be gentle, beloved, honest instruments, open to the Lord who sends us as His collaborators.,” he said.

The Mozambican member of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) further appealed, “May we learn to take each other’s place. May we at least be leaven in the dough so that it permeates all the people of God. May we have the courage to let Christ take hold of our hands.”

For him, “Prayer is necessary so that we may be capable, despite our weaknesses, of always proclaiming His Word and bringing Jesus to all those who come knocking at our door.”

“It is necessary to pray so that we may be able to be formed, to let ourselves be directly conquered by His love, by His call, by this commitment that we take on, not for ourselves, but for you,” Bishop Massinga, who was transferred to the Catholic Diocese of Inhambane as Auxiliary Bishop in August 2023 emphasized.