Carvalhos, Portugal. Adão da Costa Chaves, CMF, and José Manuel Marín Mena, CMF were ordained as priests and deacons respectively on 17 June 2023 at the Heart of Mary Shrine in Carvalhos, Portugal on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Both Claretian missionaries were delighted and devoted to embark on their sacred journey of serving the Church and their Congregation.
The ordination ceremony, presided over by Manuel António Mendes dos Santos, CMF, Bishop Emeritus of São Tomé e Príncipe, was a sacred rite that carried great spiritual significance. The presence of Fr. Carlos Candeias do Nascimento, CMF, the Provincial Superior of Fátima, added to the solemnity of the occasion. The laying of hands was a powerful moment that marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the ordained.
The newly ordained received blessings and support from family, friends, and acquaintances in the shrine. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Claretian missionaries from different communities such as Oporto-Carvalhos (where Adão resides), Madrid (Province of Santiago, where José Manuel resides), as well as other communities from the Province of Fátima and the Formative Community of the Theologate of Granada.
After the ordination, the faithful came together to share a joyous agape meal. This fostered a spirit of unity and celebration among them.
Source: José Luis Paredes Andrés, Communication, Province of Fatima
