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The Correspondent of RECOWACERAO NEWS AGENCY, RECONA, based in Cape Verde has recorded that Family of Cape Verde’s First Cardinal is billed to Establish a Foundation-Museum ahead of His 75th Birthday.  Details of the information declared that the family of Arlindo Cardinal Gomes Furtado of Cape Verde has announced plans to launch a foundation and a museum in his honour as the Local Ordinary of Santiago de Carbo Verde turns 75.

In an interview with “Inforpress”, Águeda da Veiga, Cardinal Furtado’s niece, said that the initiative to realize Arlindo Cardinal Gomes Furtado Foundation/Museum originated from the desire of family members to commemorate this “symbolic and special” occasion of the Cardinal’s 75th birthday.

“This initiative came from a group of relatives, including siblings, nieces, and nephews, who wanted to honor Cardinal Arlindo’s ideals and ensure they are known and perpetuated,” Da Veiga has been quoted as saying in the interview report published on Tuesday, September 17.

She said that the Foundation and Museum are to be located in Figueiras das Naus, Santa Catarina, in the Catholic Diocese of Santiago, the Episcopal See of the Cardinal.

“We hope that by October 4, everything will be ready. The day will begin with a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Arlindo himself, followed by the public presentation of the foundation,” Da Veiga said.

The foundation, she went on to say, “aims to promote the values for which Cardinal Furtado is known, especially his defense of human dignity.”

“The museum, which will be housed in the home where Cardinal Furtado grew up, is expected to become a major site of religious tourism in Cape Verde,” she further said, and added, “The objective is to boost and enhance the local economy, making Cardinal Arlindo’s house an important attraction for religious tourism.”

The project also includes a vision for a tourist village called “Txada Lari Village Eco Resort,” which is set to be unveiled on the same day Arlindo Cardinal Gomes Furtado Foundation/Museum is to be launched.

These efforts, according to Da Veiga, are designed to “bring more attention to Figueiras das Naus and foster economic growth in the region.”

Discussions are also underway about erecting a bust of the Cardinal in Figueiras das Naus, similar to tributes made in other parts of the country, she said. 

“While this is not the responsibility of the foundation, we do want to ensure that the Cardinal’s legacy, particularly his commitment to defending human dignity, is upheld,” Águeda da Veiga says in the interview report published on September 17.

Looking beyond the local efforts, the foundation hopes to involve the Cape Verdean diaspora in its activities, particularly those living abroad, who maintain strong ties to their homeland.

“We want all Cape Verdeans, especially those from Santiago, both at home and in the diaspora, to embrace this cause. The foundation aims to reach those who are most in need,” Da Veiga said.

She extended an open invitation to all Cape Verdeans and residents of Santiago Island to participate in the planned official launch of Arlindo Cardinal Gomes Furtado Foundation/Museum.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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