Father Marcos Rebelo took office on September 5th as parish priest of the Parish of Santa Luzia, in a celebration marked by the presence of family members, priests, movements and many parishioners. The Eucharist was presided over by the Vicar General of the Diocese of Funchal, Canon Marcos Gonçalves, who expressed his joy at accompanying this new moment in the life of Father Marcos, until then a collaborator of the priestly team of the Cathedral of Funchal. The celebration also featured the presence of the former president of the Regional Government of Madeira, Alberto João Jardim, among other guests.
In the homily, Canon Marcos Gonçalves reflected on the mission of the priest and the life of the Christian community, having Saint Teresa of Calcutta as a reference. The Vicar General recalled that the nun considered herself a simple pencil in the hands of God, defending that the priest must also be a humble instrument in the service of the community. He also highlighted that the Church is a space where everyone has a place, regardless of their qualities or limitations, and that the parish should be a place where one learns to walk together, to correct and to help always with love.
The new parish priest formally accepted the mission, recalling that even before he was ordained, the bishop had asked him about his availability to take on the parochial administration of Santa Luzia following the health situation of Canon Duarte Pita, and that he was immediately available. After a year as parish administrator, Father Marcos Rebelo now fully begins his ministry as parish priest, having revealed some of the priorities, namely the need to carry out conservation works on the church, particularly on the tiles that are deteriorated. During the celebration, Canon Duarte Pita was also evoked and honored, who was at the helm of the parish for about 30 years.
