As the graduating students of the Institute of Mater Dei gathered to celebrate their convocation, they were graced with a profound and heartfelt message from His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão. Rooted in deep theological reflection and pastoral wisdom, his address was a powerful call to embrace the Gospel path modeled by Mary, the Mother of God—whose name this esteemed institute bears.
1. Personal Dedication to God: Walking the Gospel Way of Mary
Drawing from Luke 1:38—“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word”—Cardinal Filipe Neri emphasized the first dimension of Mary’s consciousness: her deep and intimate relationship with God. Mary’s identity as a beloved, chosen servant filled with the Holy Spirit is not only a model for all Christians but a calling especially profound for those in consecrated life.
The Cardinal reminded the graduates that through baptism—and even more through consecration—they too are chosen, loved, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. “Are we giving primacy to this relationship with God in our lives?” he asked. He cautioned against living independently of God, pointing out how such detachment often leads to spiritual disorientation. Instead, he encouraged nurturing an ever-deepening connection with the Lord, who assures us of His constant presence: “Do not be afraid… I am with you always.”
2. Belonging to a Chosen Community
The second awareness he highlighted was Mary’s sense of belonging to the people of God. Before being members of individual congregations, the Cardinal said, we are first members of the Body of Christ—the Church. In a touching memory from his seminary days, he quoted an American Jesuit professor: “We are first followers of Jesus, drawing inspiration from our founders.” That, he said, holds true for all consecrated persons—whether diocesan or religious. Mary, too, knew she was part of a chosen people, journeying in faith with them.
This ecclesial consciousness is foundational. It anchors every vocation within the larger mission of the Church and offers strength in moments of isolation or doubt. We are not alone—we walk together.
3. A Universal Mission: For the Whole World
The third and final aspect of Mary’s consciousness, the Cardinal noted, was her missionary awareness. After the Annunciation, Mary knew she was not just the mother of Jesus, but a woman chosen for all humanity—for the entire creation. “As Christians and even more as religious,” he urged, “we must be aware of this global missionary responsibility.”
He echoed the call of the Synodal Church, reminding everyone that a Church that walks together is a Church that goes forth—crossing boundaries of culture, language, and geography. “We are priests and religious for the whole world,” he declared passionately.
A Mother’s Blessing and a Missional Send-off
As he concluded, Cardinal Filipe Neri blessed the graduates, praying that Mary, the Mother of God and patroness of the Institute, may accompany them on their journey. He encouraged them to grow in the threefold awareness of personal dedication, community belonging, and universal mission.
To all the graduates, the message was clear: Go forth as beloved servants of God, faithful members of the Church, and courageous missionaries for the world.