On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Piarist presence in Brazil, the Province of Brazil–Bolivia lived a moment of profound joy and faith. On Saturday, 3 August 2025, the San Judas Tadeo Community of the Piarist Parish of São Marcos in Belo Horizonte awoke to a festive celebration, welcoming the Solemn Profession and Diaconal Ordination of Jardel Ricardo Machado, Sch.P., and the Priestly Ordinations of Chia Kevin Ndi, Sch.P., and Dieudonné Kum Bama, Sch.P. From the early hours of the morning, faithful, family members, friends and religious filled the church, creating an atmosphere of anticipation, devotion and communion around the celebrations.
The Solemn Profession was marked by deep emotion: Brother Jardel promised to be a Piarist forever. In love with the Pious Schools and their mission, Jardel responds with conviction to the vocation to which God calls him: to educate children, adolescents and young people—especially the poorest—in Piety and Learning. To be a Calasanz for our time!
On Sunday, the celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Nivaldo dos Santos Ferreira, Auxiliary Bishop of Belo Horizonte. Each of those ordained brings with him an inspiring vocational story. Deacon Jardel embraces the service of the Word, the liturgy and charity, as he prepares for the priesthood. Fr Chia Kevin, originally from Cameroon, bears witness by his life to perseverance and dedication in the Piarist mission. Fr Dieudonné Kum, also Cameroonian, is recognised for his welcoming spirit and closeness to children and young people. Their ordinations, celebrated in the midst of the jubilee of the Piarist presence in Brazil, are a sign that the Calasanctian charism remains alive and fruitful, committed to the education and evangelisation of new generations.
