The auxiliary bishop of Caracas, Mgr. José Dionísio, presided over Sunday's Eucharist at the Feast of Our Lady of Amparo at Ribeira Seca, in Machico, Madeira. This celebration represented a moment of reunion between the prelate and the land of his family's origin, also symbolizing the bonds that continue to unite the Diocese of Funchal with the Portuguese and Madeiran community in Venezuela.
Mgr. José Dionísio is of Portuguese descent, the son of Madeiran parents who emigrated to Venezuela in 1962. According to the Jornal da Madeira, the parents carried with them the faith and roots of the island, which continue to mark family life. The brother of the auxiliary bishop of Caracas is also a priest in the Venezuelan archdiocese.
At the celebration, representing the bishop of Funchal, Mgr. Nuno Brás, was the vicar general of the diocese. The Diocese of Funchal offered Mgr. José Dionísio a pectoral cross, as a sign of friendship and ecclesial communion. The auxiliary bishop was unable to preside at the Mass at the Funchal Cathedral, scheduled for 11 am, due to a delay on his flight to Madeira.
Mgr. José Dionísio was recently appointed auxiliary bishop of Caracas on March 18, having chosen as his episcopal motto the expression "Do not be afraid, José." His presence in Madeira occurred weeks after the visit of Mgr. Nuno Brás to Venezuela, after the earthquakes of June 24, during which he visited the Portuguese and Madeiran communities.
