On Saturday, January 14, amidst sunny skies and about 80 degrees, there was a glorious afternoon ceremony for the solemn profession of Dom Emanuel Dantas da Costa at Mosteiro de São Bento in Vinhedo, Brazil. The Church was very full, including members of Emanuel’s former community, the Franciscans, and his mother, brother, sister, and niece. Abbot Luiz, who had lived with the community there for six years, returned from Sao Bento Olinda/Recife for the celebration along with Fathers Mauro Fernandes and Cristiano Holtz, former members of the Vinhedo community.
The profession ceremony was conducted primarily in English for the benefit of Archabbot Martin de Porres Bartel, O.S.B., who was making his first visit to Brazil. Portuguese translations were provided in the worship aid.
Afterward, a reception was held at Siloe Retreat Center for all in attendance, featuring much fine Brazilian food. Before the cutting of the cake, a picture of all the monks was taken, including their five postulants and Brother Bonifácio.
Helping assist at the profession ceremony was Brother Bonifácio Silva, a native Brazilian who is a priest of the diocese of Lyon, France. After his time of probation, he hopes to transfer to Monsterio São Bento. Archabbot Martin also noted that the community at São Bento is presently hosting five postulants, who are examining the call to monastic life. The next step for them would be to enter the community as novices.
On Sunday morning, the crowd for the 8 a.m. conventual Mass was incredible, standing room only. A nearly 50-person choir provided wonderful music, along with some of the monks for the responsorial psalm and some other pieces.
Afterward, the friendly crowd was in no hurry to leave. They visited the gift shop, bought coffee and cookies made by the monks and made a little party on the grounds in front of the church enjoying fellowship and conversation. To see more photos, visit this link.
Members of the community in Brazil include Father Paulo Panza, prior and novice master; Father Bruno da Silva, subprior; Brother Rogério Miranda de Almeida; Father Cristiano Aparecido Brito (who is presently stationed at Saint Gregory the Great Parish in Virginia Beach); Brother Pedro Fonseca; Brother André Melli, who operates the Basilica Gift Shop and Gristmill General Store at Saint Vincent, but was visiting in Vinhedo at the time of the Archabbot’s visit; Brother Osvaldo Cássio Batista; Brother Agostinho Silva; Brother João Batista de Araújo Santos; Brother Elias Pinheiro Silva; Brother José Matias; Father Martinho Zevallos Chavez; Father Samuel Pinheiro, who is presently at Saint Vincent and serving two parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg; Brother João Cassiano da Silva; Brother Pio Lopes dos Santos; Brother Plácido Aliberto de Vasconcelos; Brother Gabriel Pereira Lopes; Brother Bento Costa; Brother Emmanuel Dantas da Costa; and junior monks Brother Miguel Pereira de Andrade; Brother Beda Barbosa de Albuquerque and Brother Bonifácio Silva.