Father EMMANUELE NOGUEIRA

(in religion: Benedict)

Born: 8 April 1927 in S. Simão de Litém - Pombal

Died: 26th October 2003 in Lisbon.

At the age of 15 he entered the Brothers of St John of God and after completing the Novitiate he made his profession on 8 December 1945 and placed himself at the service of the sick, successfully completing his nursing studies. He was prefect and professor at the Apostolic School and a model servant of Our Lord in his hospitaller vocation..

In 1953 his Superiors invited him to study for the priesthood in Angra do Heroismo and later in Rome.

He was ordained priest on 14 August 1960, and after obtaining a Licentiate in Theology and a Diploma in Pastoral Care in Rome, he was appointed Novice Master, Scholastics Master, chaplain and teacher at the Nursing College. He distinguished himself above all as a missionary in Mozambique, where he was Master of Novices and a great merciful apostle, and friend of the sick.

In 1972 he was sent as a missionary in the Leprosy Centre in Upper Molocué and Novice Master in Nampula (Mozambique) where he worked for about 30 years.

He bore witness to great holiness of life with radiant faith, hope without discouragement, patient charity with the mentally ill, forgiving his political opponents as a witness of Christ. He combined caring for the sick and working on the farm with rehabilitating the sick and, as a pastor close to the people, building communities and three churches. He distinguished himself at catechesis and evangelisation together with children, young people, employees and adults in his care... and with outdoor celebrations. His ability to mobilise Christians and catechumens rendered him suspect, a fugitive and a prisoner of Christ. Without having committed any crime, he was twice imprisoned. He died of cancer in Lisbon.

He was an example of life inspired by the Gospel and missionary hope.