Canada’s first Portuguese branch is blessing local Church members

André de Castro Deus never planned on moving to Canada or on joining a language branch.

But the Lord had other plans for him and his family, and now he’s the president of Canada’s first Portuguese-speaking branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Centennial Branch was created on Dec. 31, 2023, under the direction of Calgary Alberta Fish Creek Stake President Brad Stevens, the Church posted on its Canada Facebook page.

Portuguese-speaking members first expressed a necessity for the brand new branch in August 2023. The North America Central Area presidency approved a bunch in October, later determining that there have been enough members for a branch.

“The faithfulness of Brazilian Saints who immigrated to Canada lately has made possible the creation of this branch which can provide support to other Portuguese speakers, from various countries, who will make their home in Calgary,” the Facebook post reads.

President Castro Deus said he’s “honored” and “humbled” to be serving in the brand new Portuguese branch.

“The Lord knows me and cares about me enough to bring me where He needs me to be,” President Castro Deus said.

Worshipping in Portuguese

President Castro Deus is from Brazil and was comfortably settled there along with his family, an excellent job and his calling as a bishop.

But his wife felt strongly that they need to move to Canada, despite having no family or job connections there.

President Castro Deus said he was uncertain at first, but doors began opening. He found an excellent job opportunity, the visa process went easily, and so a 12 months ago, he and his family moved to Canada.

Still, he didn’t feel the must be a part of a language branch. President Castro Deus served his mission in Salt Lake City and lived within the U.S. for several years after that, so he was comfortable worshiping in English, he said.

But a friend in his area, one other Brazilian, was advocating for a Portuguese branch and asked him to attend what was then only a bunch.

Upon arriving, he realized he’d underestimated how meaningful worshiping in his native language can be. “The Spirit was so strong,” President Castro Deus said.

People often hear the Spirit more easily in their very own language, he added, because they usually are not focused on accurately translating every part being said. Instead, they will think fully about what’s being taught, making them “100% open to feeling the Spirit because [they] don’t have that barrier anymore.”

Branch growth and missionary opportunities

President Castro Deus said his family eventually fasted and prayed to know in the event that they should attend the Portuguese group. When his teenage son — who had been more against the change than anyone else — said they need to attend the Portuguese group, President Castro Deus knew it was the fitting decision for his family.

That group is now a branch of about 50 people, President Castro Deus said, and is growing on a regular basis.

It’s offered him some unique missionary opportunities, equivalent to when he and wife were shopping at Costco and talking a few Portuguese product. Another Brazilian overheard and commenced chatting with them, so President Castro Deus and his wife invited the person to a branch activity. The man, who isn’t a Church member, brought his wife and two kids to the event.

“After seeing all that has happened, and the way the Lord has led us to Canada… I feel that I used to be really meant to be here right now to support the branch the best way that I’m,” President Castro Deus said, adding that, “The persons are just amazing. I like them a lot.”