Our Lady of Areosa Church was filled to capacity on Sunday, 6 September, for the installation of Fr Manuel da Silva as the new parish priest. Representatives from various parish groups and several priests took part in a service marked by gratitude and the passing on of the mantle, signalling the start of a new chapter in the life of the parish community.
The celebration was attended by Canon Fernando Milheiro, Episcopal Vicar of Porto Nascente, and several priests, including Fr Candeias, Fr Vítor, Fr Barros, and Fr Diz, the latter being the outgoing parish priest of Areosa Parish.
Prior to the start of the Mass, the formal rites of installation took place. Before the community now entrusted to his care, Fr Manuel da Silva formally assumed his role as parish priest, subsequently vesting in liturgical garments to begin the service.
In a church with no empty seats, filled with faces both young and old, the presence of the various parish groups and movements gave visible form to the community that the new parish priest is now called to accompany.
The service was also marked by expressions of gratitude to the parish priest concluding his pastoral ministry, following years of dedicated service to Areosa Parish.
Afterwards, the celebration continued with congratulations, embraces, and initial conversations between Fr Manuel da Silva and the community. Between the emotion of farewell and the joy of welcome, Areosa experienced a Sunday of change, but also of continuity.
