With the image of a gardener tending to a garden, Bishop Luiz gave thanks for his 50 years of priestly service to God in the Church, during a Eucharistic Celebration he presided over at the Cathedral of Vitória last Saturday, December 22nd. The text was read by Bishop Luiz at the end of the Mass, which was attended by Bishops José Geraldo and Odilon Guimarães, who also celebrated 50 years of priesthood; Bishops Mário Marquez, Joaquim Wladimir Lopes Dias, and Rubens Sevilha, who were auxiliary bishops to Bishop Luiz in this Archdiocese; Bishop Paulo Dal'Bó of São Mateus; Bishops Geraldo Lyrio Rocha, Aldo Gerna, and Décio Zandonade, emeritus bishops; priests from the Archdiocese of Vitória; and some from dioceses within the Ecclesiastical Province of Espírito Santo.

The Vice-Postulator of the Cause for Canonization of Father Eustáquio, Father Marcus Vinícius Maciel, SSCC, and other religious from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, to which Bishop Luiz belongs, were also present at the celebration.

Dom Luiz Mancilha symbolically expressed his feelings at this moment when he also leaves the governance of the Archdiocese and becomes Bishop Emeritus, saying that he lived his priesthood caring for the faithful as a gardener cares for his garden: perfecting techniques to prepare the soil, choose the seeds, understand the climatic changes, the seasons of the year so that the diversity of flowers grows and develops. To conclude, Dom Luiz prayed the following prayer:

Jesus, my illustrious Risen Gardener! I believe! Through your cross you shed your Redeeming Blood… For the forgiveness of my sins and of all humanity… Jesus, illustrious Risen Gardener! Through Holy Baptism I was immersed in the blood of Your Redeeming Cross… I believe! I live by your Cross! You called me to carry Your Redeeming Cross with you… You made me your gardener to tend your garden. I thank you so much for your affection, so much love for me… Fifty years of gardening…! Jesus, illustrious Risen Gardener! Grant me, through Your Spirit, strength and perseverance until the end! Thank you, Lord! I ask your forgiveness if I have not taken good care of your garden… But, along with forgiveness, I humbly ask you to accept my poor life, entirely given to your service… Accept this poor life, entirely offered to your Father, our Father… I place my heart with you in the Heart of the Father, Our Father. Welcome this pilgrim and gardener… I believe! I live for Your Cross, with you on Your Cross… May my last breath in your garden be a breath of hope and peace… I am a humble and poor gardener… I ask Your Mother and our Mother, Mother of the Garden: Welcome me into your Heart and Maternal Embrace… Cover me with your merciful mantle… I am a simple and poor gardener… Gardener of the garden of the Loving Father. Amen!

Family and friends were present. Father Jorge Campos, Vicar General and Rector of the Seminary, delivered the homily, speaking of the meaning of the priestly mission and the importance of proclaiming Jesus Christ. Father Robson Pratti spoke, on behalf of the clergy of the Archdiocese, about the history of Dom Luiz and the highlights of his mission over these 50 years: the formation of seminarians and clergy, the construction of the Study Center building, pastoral projects, among others. After the Celebration, a gathering took place at the Training Center among the bishops, priests, seminarians, employees of the Archdiocese, family, and friends.

In the photo: Members of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts: Lay members of the Secular Branch, Religious Sisters, Religious Brothers and Priests, together with Bishop Luiz Mancilha Vilela.

Source: Archdiocese of Vitória, Espírito Santo (text with adaptations)