CELEBRATION, THANKSGIVING

Father Ilídio, Parish Priest of the Parish of the Most Holy Redeemer, Damaia, surprised us when he informed us that his Parish was preparing a celebration on October 19th, World Mission Day, to honor and recognize the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Rosary and the 6 de Maio Social Center for the work they have done and are doing on behalf of the poorest and immigrants. Admiring and very surprised, we accepted the proposal, although almost everything remained shrouded in surprise and ignorance of what might happen until the day itself.

It all began with the celebration of a festive Eucharist in a very full church. During the celebration, there were several moments alluding to the tribute they wished to pay. The names of all the Sisters who lived and worked in the Neighborhoods/Social Center were mentioned twice, including the names of the Sisters who had passed away, as well as the names of the three Neighborhoods; During the offertory, a panel of drawings created by our preschool children was presented, along with a certificate of recognition from the Embassy of Cape Verde.

On Thanksgiving Day, the representative from the Embassy of Cape Verde expressed gratitude for all the work done, especially on behalf of the Cape Verdean community. This entire project began in 1976, when a large number of people from Cape Verde arrived in Portugal and settled between Portas de Benfica and Damaia de Baixo. Today, the situation is different, as the community served by the Social Center comes from many countries around the world. The excellent connection that has always existed between the Embassy and the Social Center was also highlighted, as well as the significant support the center has consistently received from the Embassy.

A former resident of one of the neighborhoods and former collaborator of the Social Center also shared her experience. On behalf of the Sisters and the Social Center, I had the honor of thanking Father Ilídio, Parish Priest of Damaia Parish, and all the people of Damaia Parish who were involved and worked to make all of this happen. It was also a very good opportunity to thank the Sisters who started this project in 1976, because they provided it with deep and solid motivations and foundations that continue to guide us today. And to thank the collaborators, some of whom have sacrificed their professional careers and their salaries in an act of loyalty to this project. We also cannot forget the hundreds of volunteers and friends who, over the past 49 years, have contributed so much to the accomplishment of everything that has been done. Without them, the Sisters could do very little.

This was followed by a delicious and varied lunch, lovingly prepared and served by different people and families from the Parish, which culminated in a rich cake, accompanied by the singing of “Congratulations.”

Finally, it is our duty to give many and profound thanks to God!

Lisboa

Hermana Deolinda Rodrigues