In this video, in the “Jubilee in the World” series, Brazilian Consolata missionary Father Arlei Pivetta shares aspects of his life and mission in the context of the Jubilee of Hope and his priestly jubilee, 25 years of ordination.
By Jaime Patias *
Originally from Dr. Maurício Cardoso in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and currently working in Boa Vista, Roraima, the priest participated in the continuing formation course held in Rome in May.
“Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a Consolata missionary. The magazine ‘Missões’ always arrived at my house, where I read about the missionaries’ work around the world,” says Father Arlei. At the age of 14, he entered the seminary in Erexim (RS). He studied philosophy in Curitiba (PR), then completed his novitiate in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and theology studies in São Paulo. He was ordained a priest on January 6, 2001.
“It was a long journey, but one lived with great faith, courage, and determination. In 2001, we celebrated the centenary of the founding of the Institute. I was the first Consolata priest ordained that year. In 2026, I will celebrate 25 years of ordination, within the centenary of the death of the Founder, Saint Joseph Allamano (February 16, 1926–2026). I don’t see this as a coincidence, but rather as a providence of God’s grace,” observes Father Arlei. “We are in the year 2025, the Jubilee of Hope, and we, who are celebrating 25 years of ordination and/or perpetual profession, are having this meeting in Rome.”
Hope, is “not waiting idly, but waiting in God’s grace. The famous pedagogue Paulo Freire once said that “to hope” implies that we must do our part, that is, hope in God and do your part. God does His part, and everyone does his/her part.”
Mozambique
After ordination, Father Arlei was sent to Mozambique, where he worked for 13 years. He then returned to Brazil and served in Cascavel (PR), and now he had been in Boa Vista (Roraima) for the last three years. “A job that requires courage, determination, and trust. Sometimes I may have made mistakes, but I am always trying to do my best at the service of evangelization. My desire is to continue.” Father Arlei wishes young people the courage to say “yes.” “Jesus commanded and left us his mission, his legacy. Each of us, living in this world, must commit to leave a legacy,” he says.
“One thing I learned from my theological studies is listening. For this reason, the sacrament I celebrate most carefully is that of Reconciliation. Listening to people, giving them time to open up. Experts say we are in the century of communication. I would say we are in the century of information, where everyone talks, but few are willing to listen. Communicating means listening and being heard. May God help us always walk the path of good.”
Regarding his mission in Mozambique, Father Arlei highlights an event that occurred in 2002, on October 4, when the country was celebrating the 10th anniversary of the peace accords, following a civil war that claimed more than a million lives. “Being in Mozambique after ten years of peace and seeing the progress made in the country was wonderful. Peace is so necessary today. Pope Francis spoke of peace, Pope Leo XIV speaks of peace. May we all remain united so that there may be ever greater peace in hearts of all humanity.”
* Father Jaime C. Patias, IMC, Office of Communications.