Alto Ligonha, Mozambique. On the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, August 15, 2024, a new parish has been elevated in Alto Ligonha, Mozambique: The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. The General Prefect of Formation, Fr. Joseph Mbungu-Mutu, CMF, and the Provincial Prefect for Apostolate, Fr. José Heitor de Menezes, CMF, attended the celebration. Fr. Rony Maniyakkuparayil, CMF, took office as the first parish priest. The ceremony was presided over by Bishop Inacio Lucas Mwita, Bishop of the Diocese of Gurué.
Before the celebration, the prelate blessed the cornerstone of the future parish house.
The parish is the result of the dedication and commitment of Father Joseph Biju, CMF, who arrived in Mozambique in 2009 from the Province of St. Thomas, India. This church is the first Catholic temple dedicated to the Heart of Mary in the country and is considered one of the largest built in Mozambique after the Portuguese regime.
The Interprovincial Claretian Mission in Mozambique, founded in 2006 by the Claretian Provinces of Brazil and Portugal, has completed 18 years. Today, the mission is shared by Brasil Province (Brazil) and St. Thomas Province (India).
