Two Prophets of Peace

His last words, on the evening of August 27, 1999, feeling his strength diminishing, were: "I am going to the Father's house." What a beautiful life! Dom Hélder himself repeated with fervor: "How beautiful life is when there are reasons to live it." His existence was a great gift from God for everyone. Dom Hélder always let himself be drawn by God, through His Son, towards a profound passion for good, unity and peace among all.

Who does not remember his courage and tenacity in announcing peace in the most distant regions of the world? A man of consensus, of harmony, he always found the inspired word to bring people together and give them a message of hope! For the Brazilian people, and especially for the Catholic community, Dom Hélder represents the envoy of Providence for the defense and promotion of the dignity of the human person. During the period of military government, he had the courage to stand alongside the persecuted to prevent the arbitrariness of the government; for this reason, he was misunderstood and suffered hostility, but without being discouraged. He resisted all threats with faith. He managed to unite the communities, to keep the faith alive, avoiding any violence and revenge.

Among the bishops, he had a singular mission. He participated in the birth of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), and of CELAM (Episcopal Council of Latin America), as well as participating with intelligent and inspired work in the Second Vatican Council, in the Medellin Conference (1968) and in the Puebla Conference (1979). Friend and voice of the poor, he was defined by Pope John Paul II as “brother of the poor”, placing him alongside Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Ernesto Olivero, with whom he maintained the closest friendship and communion of ideals. Dom Hélder always saw the positive side of events. He avoided criticism. He wanted to build. He convinced with love and forgiveness. He knew how to listen and understand. His secret was an intense life of prayer, with long hours before the Blessed Sacrament. In the presence of Christ he knew how to find light and strength for his tireless life in the service of his brothers, especially the poorest.


Sermig Editorial
NP August/September 2024