The body of Fr. José Clemente dos Santos, a Salesian priest from Machico, was transferred to Madeira following the funeral ceremonies held in Évora, where he died on August 26. The funeral mass was celebrated on September 2 at the church of the Salesian College in Funchal, at the family's request, bringing together family members, confreres, diocesan and Salesian priests, and many former students who wished to pay a final tribute to the priest who dedicated nearly six decades to the priesthood and the Salesian educational mission.
The celebration was presided over by Fr. Tarcízio Morais, head of the Salesians in Portugal, who in his homily remembered the priest as a man marked by service to God, to the Church, and in particular to young people. Also present was Canon Fiel de Sousa, Episcopal Vicar for Clergy and Religious, representing the bishop of Funchal, accompanied by other diocesan and Salesian priests.
In his address, Fr. Tarcízio Morais used St. Paul's image of God's field to describe Fr. José Clemente's mission, noting that he "planted" throughout nearly seven decades of Salesian consecration and more than 58 years of priesthood, through the proclaimed word, the celebrated Eucharist, sacramental forgiveness, education, and service to communities. He highlighted that the Salesian priest was a teacher, spiritual director, pastoral leader, and director, accompanying young people who were "joyful and restless" as well as others marked by difficulties, always with a close and familiar presence.
After the celebration, the funeral procession made its way to São Martinho cemetery, where Fr. José Clemente dos Santos was buried in the Salesians' vault.
