In the Republic of Cape Verde, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are celebrating two milestones.
On Sunday, April 5, general conference was translated into Cape Verdean Creole for the first time. A week later, a new chapel in Praia was inaugurated.
Church members and local leaders say these events are evidence of the church’s growth and will aid its future growth and spiritual progress.
General meeting interpreter
The Republic of Cape Verde consists of 10 major islands located in two volcanic archipelago off the west coast of Africa.
The country’s official language is Portuguese, but Cape Verdean Creole, also known as Kriol or Cabberdine, is widely spoken and is the main language of daily life. It is a Portuguese-based creole with West African influences.
The abbreviation for selecting the language on the church website is KEA.
The April 2026 general conference Sunday session was translated into Creole for the first time this year. Translators, reviewers, and other interpreters involved were Celestino Mascarenhas, Carlos Freire, Helder Barrera, Anibal da Graça, Dennis López, Covis Fortes, Dailene Bellissimo, Fernanda Mascarenhas, and Stéphanie de Pina.
Fernanda Mascareñas said Cabberdian is “the language of our hearts” and is used at home and with family, friends and colleagues. “Cabberdianu is the language we feel.”
She called being part of the history-making of the church in the islands a “unique and sacred experience.”
“The Lord promised that ‘in that day every man will hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, in his own tongue’ (D&C 90:11),” she wrote. “We are seeing that promise fulfilled. Hearing the Gospel in our own language means not just understanding the words, but feeling them deeper and more personally.”
Her husband, Celestino Mascarenhas, said that translating the words of church leaders in general conference is “a sacred responsibility and a profound privilege.” He added, “I see this project as a clear confirmation that the Lord cares for this people and this country.”
He said the reception of the general conference broadcast in the Cape Verdean language is an important milestone and evidence of the great growth of the gospel in the country as local people assume leadership responsibilities and control over church stewardship.
“At the same time, this blessing requires continued humility and dedication,” Mascarenhas said. “As long as we remain faithful and diligent, the Lord will continue to provide us with opportunities and privileges that once seemed out of reach.”
Carlos Freire researches and writes about the history of the church in this country. “This was a great thing for me because I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” he said of interpreting general conference.
At the time of his baptism, not much church material was found in Creole. He started his own project to translate the Book of Mormon and, as a Primary teacher, translated the scriptures from Portuguese to Creole to help children understand them.
“Having the opportunity to watch and participate in general conference in my native language was truly amazing for me,” he said. “I hope more can happen and we can do more with our language.”
Praia’s new chapel
Members of the Bella Vista Ward and Sonalima Branch Praia Cape Verde Stake are now meeting in the new chapel. The Eugenio Lima Chapel was dedicated on Saturday, April 11, by Praia Cape Verde Stake President Leonel da Cruz, who was authorized by the Europe North Area Presidency to dedicate the building.
President Cruz said many guests attended the dedication, including church members and friends, local and government leaders, and national media outlets.
“It was a great moment and a great experience,” he said.
A general meeting of both congregations was held in the new chapel on Sunday, April 12th.
“It was a great time, a great experience, and a great motivation for everyone,” President Cruz said. “This chapel built on this site will be of great benefit to the people of the city of Praia, especially the people of this region who are facing many hardships. This chapel has also been established in the midst of this community.”
According to the latest statistics from ChurchofJesusChrist.org, there are more than 16,000 members in four stakes across the island.
The Praia Cape Verde Temple was dedicated on June 19, 2022. This country is home to the Cape Verde Praia Mission. The new mission, Cape Verde Mindelo Mission, will be created on July 1, 2026.
