President of the Government remembers Monsignor Augusto Cabral as “educator of service to others against selfishness” - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, joined in the tribute paid by the municipality of Nordeste, on the island of São Miguel, to Monsignor Augusto Cabral, who passed away on December 21, 2016. His life and work are an "opportunity for inspiration" due to his dedication and service as an "educator of faith and attitude, and service to others against selfishness."

"This is the inspiration that I believe deserves to be eternal for our experience in the remembrance of Monsignor Augusto Cabral," stated the President of the Government during the tribute ceremony organised by the Parish of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, in the civil parish of Lomba da Fazenda. The event was attended by the Bishop of Angra, Armando Esteves, who presided over the eucharistic celebration.

Monsignor Augusto Cabral was born in Fazenda do Nordeste on January 16, 1937.

He served as a priest for 57 years, holding important positions in the Church, as follows: Vicar General of the Diocese of Angra; Rector of the Episcopal Seminary of Angra; Delegate of the Diocesan Service of Evangelisation and Catechesis on the island of São Miguel; Director of the National Secretariat for Christian Education; and Rector of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres in Ponta Delgada.

The public tribute included the unveiling of a plaque renaming the square formerly known as Largo da Igreja to Largo Monsenhor Augusto Cabral, as decided by the Nordeste Municipal Council, and the unveiling of a bronze bust by José Carlos Almeida in the same square.

"The place is distinctive, but the personality that now gives it its name will elevate the dignity of this place. What a beautiful idea it was to use this place-naming process to pay tribute to the person who has honoured the community," stated José Manuel Bolieiro, as President of the Regional Government, who joined in "this tribute and recognition."

To the family of Monsignor Augusto Cabral, present at this session and represented by João Fagundo, the head of the Azorean Government offered "a word of praise and pride." He stated that it was an honour "to acknowledge someone who distinguished himself through his work, giving of himself to the community instead of thinking only of himself."

The ceremony also featured a speech by Father Jorge Ferreira, Spiritual Director at the Pontifical Portuguese College in Rome and collaborator at the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, who described Monsignor Augusto Cabral as someone who “valued the role of culture as a means of human development, having been a member of the Azorean Institute of Culture.”

"Monsignor Augusto Cabral deserves deference and consideration for the commitment he has shown on numerous occasions in resolving the many and varied difficulties that have arisen over the decades in private homes as well as in public, social, cultural and sporting institutions in Lomba da Fazenda," he said, describing "a man who loved this community so much."

Among other representatives of entities and institutions, the following participated in the tribute ceremony: the Mayor of Nordeste, António Miguel Soares; the President of the Municipal Assembly of Nordeste, Rogério Frias; the President of the Parish Council of Lomba da Fazenda, Rafael Moniz Vieira; and the Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, Flávio Soares.