THE CUSTODY OF SAINT CLARE IN MOZAMBIQUE ELECTS A NEW CUSTOS

The Friars of the Autonomous Custody of St Clare in Mozambique, gathered in Jangamo, Inhambane, have elected Br Lage Nhampoca Luis Afonso as the new Custos, and Br Jorge Alberto Bender as Vicar of the Custody. In addition, the following were elected as Councillors: Br Ilídio Jacinto Inácio, Br Edson Augusto Nhatuve, Br Orlando Antonio Botomane and Br Pedro José António Costa. Br Lage was born in Amatongas, in the Diocese of Chimoio, Mozambique. He made his first vows in 1996, solemn vows in 2002, and was ordained a priest on 3 October 2004 in Maputo. He obtained a Licentiate in Developmental and Educational Psychology from the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome. Until the days before his election, Br Lage served as Novice Master and Custodial Councillor. The Franciscan presence in Mozambique dates back to 1898 with the arrival of the first six friars in Beira from the Province of the Protomartyrs of Portugal. The Custody has more than 100 friars distributed in 11 communities in Mozambique, one in Zambia and one in South Africa. The friars work in pastoral service in the various missions and parishes, care of the elderly, education in the schools, spiritual assistance to the Poor Clare Sisters and other brothers and sisters belonging to the Franciscan Family. The Chapter, which began on 20 March last, ends on Saturday 26 and is presided over by Br Sebastião Kremer, Visitator General from the Province of the Immaculate Conception in Brazil.