Mozambique: The Era of Flourishing Dehonian Vocations

The Priests of the Sacred Heart have been present in Mozambique since 1947, a presence that was further strengthened by the erection of Mozambique into a Province in 1998. Since their establishment in this country along the eastern coast of the African continent, the Dehonian Fathers have been fully devoted to their mission among the people. Thanks to the evangelical zeal and missionary spirit inherited from their founder, the Venerable Léon Dehon, the various missionaries have gradually been able to spread out, to the extent that they are now established in 5 Dioceses with 9 religious communities.

More than Half a Century of Presence without Considerable Growth

Despite this long history, the Province of Mozambique has experienced slow growth in terms of personnel, currently only having about 52 members and 6 novices. This paradox was clarified by Father Eugenio Tarua, SCJ, a member of the Province, by discussing past challenges. According to him, the postcolonial political system contributed significantly to this. Furthermore, the lack of perseverance of many young people in formation also somewhat influenced subsequent generations.

This context makes the current news all the more significant. Indeed, the recent ordination of five new priests was a major event that led Father Eugenio to say: “We hadn’t seen such a large number in nearly twenty years.” This milestone visibly marks the beginning of a new era, which we hope will continue.

The Concrete Commitment of the Dehonians in Mozambique

With today 3 Dehonian Bishops (two of whom are emeritus), 32 Priests, and 2 deacons, the Dehonians in Mozambique, with the aim of announcing the reign of God and participating in the integral formation of man, are involved in several areas.

Among the sectors of activity are:

• Parochial ministry (7 parishes);
• Welcoming and formation in spiritual centers;
• Education (schools, vocational centers);
• Social works such as the Léon Dehon formation center in Gurue, which is today a national reference for the social commitment carried out there.

It is undoubtedly this visible dedication and profound commitment of the confreres in their mission that constitutes one of the major points of attraction for the Congregation among young Mozambicans, who are increasingly expressing the desire to be part of the great Dehonian family.

“All our formation houses are full.”

The overall picture of the Province regarding vocations is, compared to previous years, eloquent. Currently, the Province has:

• About 17 seminarians in the propaedeutic formation house.
• 13 students in philosophy.
• 4 postulants who will begin their novitiate in 2026.
• 6 young people in the novitiate who will soon finish their canonical year.
• 10 confreres currently pursuing their formation in theology (7 in South Africa and 3 in Cameroon).
• 2 deacons preparing for the priesthood.

Regarding recruitment, the Provincial Superior is pleased: “Concerning vocations in general, we have young people in almost all the dioceses of Mozambique who are asking to enter our congregation. Right now, the vocations commission is visiting the families of these young people who have submitted their applications for next year.” Although Father Carlitos is grateful for these vocations, he also acknowledges the economic difficulty this entails: “We thank God for the vocations He gives us. And we count on the support of other entities in the field of formation.”

The Ordination of November 1, 2025: Symbol of Renewal

The culmination of this successful period was the ordination of five new priests on November 1, 2025. This event, marking the successful completion of many years of formation, is the fruit of the Province’s perseverance and a sign of hope for the future of the Dehonian mission in the country.

The new priests are: Daio Alberto Márques scj, Florêncio Duarte Vicente scj, Lourenço Domingos Murabela scj, Nélio Lucas Rapoio scj, and Tiago Mendes Vasco scj.

These ordinations, the most significant in two decades, confirm that the Province of Mozambique has entered a new era, where the seed sown in 1947 is now bearing abundant, local, and certainly long-lasting fruit.