Felix Fato Bastone Sabonete, SJ was born on March 21, 1968 in Joia, Tete, in Mozambique. He desired to join the Society of Jesus, but was conscripted into the army where he actively served during the civil war that raged from 1976 to 1992. He was a candidate to the Society, from 1989 to 1991, during which time he completed secondary school at Bom Pastor Seminary in Beira.
Older than most students, he was impressive as committed to his studies
and to life in the community. His gifts of physical strength and fitness,
together with his military experience did not make him arrogant. He
mixed well, and talked about his experience simply, when he did. He was
well-respected by his peers and superiors as a friendly, kind, gentle and
dedicated companion. Sabonete did juniorate and philosophy studies in
Brazil, after which he taught Portuguese in his alma mater at Bom Pastor.
He was a formator of Jesuit candidates, encouraging them to service of
the Church and motherland, in the promotion of justice and peace. He
was struck with cancer, and faced the pain with his characteristic bravery,
seeing his suffering a way of purification. He was transferred to Harare,
Zimbabwe, for better medical care in June 1999. The treatment was to no
avail. Sabonete shared in serenity, that he was indifferent to whatever
awaited him, and remained of good cheer. He was returned back home,
where he died in the Jesuit community in Tete on January 11, 2000.
