Who Will Bless Our “I Do”
Who Will Bless Our “I Do”
Throughout our lives, God writes our story through concrete people. Some appear only for a brief moment. Others remain and become part of who we are.
Father Nuno and Deacon Leopoldo undoubtedly belong to that second group.
More than the celebrants of our wedding ceremony, they are two people whose friendship, witness, and presence have profoundly shaped our journey. Both became part of a particularly important chapter in Diogo's life and, later on, also became part of Sara's story.
That is why it brings us great joy to have them with us on the day we celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage.
Fr. Nuno Tavares
We believe that the things that happen to us have a purpose, even when it takes us time to understand it.
For Diogo, Father Nuno is one of those people who entered his life through one of the most challenging—and therefore most transformative—periods of his journey. Looking back, it is hard not to believe that God allowed that path to unfold in part to make this encounter possible.
It was at the Parish of Our Lady of Pena that the friendship began. During that stage of life, Father Nuno was often a listener and, just as often, a challenger. His words rarely came in the form of ready-made answers. Instead, they came as questions, different perspectives, and invitations to look at situations from angles that might never otherwise have been considered.
Perhaps an important part of how Diogo sees life today was shaped in some of those conversations in a church sacristy, on walks through the streets of Lisbon, or in simple moments that ultimately left a profound mark.
Over the past nine years, Father Nuno has gone from being someone who first offered a welcoming embrace after Mass in 2017, to a mentor and, today, someone we are proud to call a friend. He is one of the people we always try to visit whenever we return to Portugal, and someone whose presence continues to be important in our lives.
It was also Father Nuno who connected Diogo with the Lisbon group that took part in World Youth Day in Panama, one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.
For Sara, Father Nuno has also become a very special point of reference. He is someone who listens attentively, seeks to understand every detail before offering advice, and whose sincerity, spontaneity, and wisdom inspire trust from the very first meeting. Among all the people Diogo has introduced her to over the years, he is one she has come to value the most.
There have been many stories, many projects, many conversations, and many lessons along the way. It would be difficult to tell them all—and even more difficult to express sufficient gratitude for them.
Today, Father Nuno serves at the Parish of Lousa. Fortunate indeed is that community.
And fortunate are we as well, to have him by our side on this day.
Dcn. Leopoldo Vaz
Deacon Leopoldo is yet another reminder that God places the right people in our lives at the right time.
It was through the Parish of Our Lady of Pena that Diogo first met him, and since then it has been impossible not to admire his dedication to the community. Even today, anyone who visits Pena knows how easy it is to find him there—always available, always present and always ready to help.
What Sara particularly appreciates is his serenity. He is someone who welcomes others naturally, even amid the countless responsibilities he carries each day. Thoughtful in his words, attentive to others, and deeply prudent, he brings a rare sense of peace to those around him.
For Diogo, there is one memory that stands out in a special way.
During a turbulent period of his life between 2018 and 2019, Deacon Leopoldo's generosity went so far as to welcome him into his home for a few days. The purpose was simple: to spend some time alone, to reflect, and to seek answers to some important questions in his life.
A rather unusual request from someone who had just been welcomed into another family's home.
And yet, that is exactly what happened.
There was always support. There was always freedom. There was always a spirit of welcome. And there was never a single question about what had brought him there.
God's love reaches us in many ways. During those days, it came through Deacon Leopoldo and Mrs. Apolónia, his wife.
From their friendship remain lasting lessons in patience, generosity, charity, and the way the Gospel can be lived simply and concretely in everyday life.
He is someone worth talking to. Someone worth spending time with. Someone worth learning from.
In short, someone truly worth knowing.
Today, he continues to serve at Pena, alongside so many other everyday saints who quietly undertake the difficult task of keeping a community alive, welcoming, and full of faith.
It is a privilege, an honour, and a blessing to have him with us on the day of our wedding.
Among the many people God has placed along our path, these are two for whom we will always be profoundly grateful.