Cardinal Alexandre dos Santos, founder of the UST Mozambique, celebrated his 100th birthday

The celebration took place in Khongolote in the residence of His Eminence Monsignor Alexandre José María dos Santos, Cardinal Emeritus of Maputo, patron and founder of the “Universidade São Tomás de Moçambique,” on the occasion of the hundred years of life of the man who was the first black priest of Mozambique.

The event was organized by the following entities: The Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary Mother of Africa (founded by the Cardinal); the “Cardeal Dom Alexandre” Foundation; the Universidade São Tomás of Mozambique (USTM); and the “Cardeal Dom Alexandre” School.

The festivities began in the morning with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Monsignor Francisco Chimoio, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Maputo. Afterwards, dedications and messages were presented by various interlocutors, among which of special note were the words of the family, the Magnificent Rector of the USTM, and the Franciscan Sisters.

Around midday a fellowship lunch was served for nearly 180 invited guests, among which were family members, sisters of the Congregation, bishops, priests and personnel of the USTM. The party was set to the rhythm of “timbila,” the typical traditional music and dance of the Zavala district of the Inhambane province, the honoree´s region of origin.

The occasion gave rise to great fun and entertainment, since the celebration was not only for the guest of honor but also for all of Mozambique, due to the contribution his Eminence Cardinal dos Santos gave and continues to give to the development of the country, which note worthily includes in addition to the religious and educational activities, the peace negotiations which culminated in the Rome agreements, and the opening of educational institutions.