CASCAIS: HISTORIC CITADEL HOSTS CIVIL DIPLOMACY CEREMONY HONOURING HUMANITARIAN LEADERSHIP

Civil Diplomat Jethro International Celebrated Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy in Portugal

On 14 October 2026, the historic Citadel of Cascais, Portugal, provided the setting for a Solemn Ceremony organised by Civil Diplomat Jethro International Organisation.

The gathering brought together humanitarian leaders and members of the organisation to recognise service, celebrate new appointments and strengthen Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy.

Helena da Fonseca conducted the ceremony, with Colonel José Geraldo, National Director of Jethro International in Portugal, serving as host.

The ceremony opened with a violin performance by Larissa Neves. Her musical interpretation brought elegance and sensitivity to the occasion, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the evening’s celebrations. With experience performing internationally, Larissa has built a career connecting music, culture and emotion.

Guests at the Table of Honour

The ceremony’s Table of Honour included Jorge Santos, Expansion Director, and Elvina Azevedo, Expansion Director for Philanthropy and Social Impact in Angola. Their presence highlighted the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation, international representation and the strengthening of relationships across its global network.

The ceremony at the Citadel of Cascais also received media coverage from Wiser Magazine and the Founder Myllena Sergel.  The European publication is dedicated to highlighting the achievements and stories of entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders. Its editorial work focuses on meaningful contributions, human connections and international perspectives.

Martin Luther King Jr. Award Honours Professor Thomas Paul Schirrmacher

One of the ceremony’s central moments was the presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Award to Archbishop and Professor Thomas Paul Schirrmacher.

A theologian, sociologist, researcher and advocate for religious freedom, Schirrmacher has dedicated his career to knowledge, dialogue and human rights.

He has lectured at more than 200 universities and institutions worldwide. His professional engagements include the German Bundestag, the UK House of Lords, the European Parliament, the United Nations and the OSCE.

His academic achievements include four doctorates and three honorary doctorates. Furthermore, he has authored or edited over 100 books, with works translated into 18 languages.

The award recognised his longstanding commitment to human dignity, international dialogue and the application of knowledge in service to others.

Also in this ceremony the guests of His Excellency Archbishop Dr and Professor Thomas Paul Schirrmacher.

Professor Dr Dom Nuno Calçada Loureiro, Grand Collar of the Equestrian Order of Saint Sergius, Commander of the Royal House of Ghassan, Prior Commander of the Portuguese Priory of the Equestrian Order of Saint Sergius, and Special Envoy of the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan in Portugal.

Engineer Dom José Vidal Santos, Grand Knight of the Equestrian Order of Saint Sergius and Deputy Commander of the Portuguese Priory of the Equestrian Order of Saint Sergius.

New Expansion Directors Appointed

The Solemn Ceremony also marked the appointment of seven

Expansion Directors, strengthening the organisation’s representation across different professional and social sectors.

The newly appointed directors are:

• Larissa Gonzalez – Expansion Director for Legal Strategy
• Mairim Sanguino – Expansion Director for Aesthetics, Professional Advisory and Leadership
• Rodolfo Carvalho – Expansion Director for Real Estate Business
• Caroline Teixeira – Expansion Director for Beauty and Wellbeing
• Michelle Batista – Expansion Director
• Maria José da Silva – Expansion Director for Strategic Image and Women’s Leadership
• Pauliana Soares – Expansion Director for Aesthetics, Innovation and Women’s Empowerment

These appointments support the development of professional networks and collaborative initiatives within the organisation’s areas of engagement.

Humanitarian Civil Diplomats Receive Their Credentials

Another significant moment was the formal recognition and induction of the Humanitarian Civil Diplomats.

The ceremony welcomed professionals committed to contributing their knowledge, experience and leadership to humanitarian cooperation and social initiatives.

• Muanza Emanuel – ID 9269

• Paula Figueiredo – ID 4809

• Ana Martins – ID 8857

• Michael Chandrathas – ID 8665

• Alvaro Mateus – ID 9056

• Leonardo Feitoza – ID 9231

• Bethy Pitilo – ID 9280

• Catia Reis – ID 9300

• Larissa Pilz – ID 9187

• Anne Almeida – ID 9249

• Bruna Cunha – ID 9283

• Nelia Sousa – ID 9298

• Ana Mayedo – ID 9248

• Dr Luis José Polanco – ID 9217

• Felisbela Silva – ID 9259

• Dercilene Vasconcelos – ID 9227

• Maria Celeste Barreto – ID 9254

• Octávio Pinto – ID 9172

• Sina António – ID 9154

• Suzana Miguel – ID 9321

• Vivaldo Silva – ID 9305

• Luísa Jacinto – ID 9303

• Julio Varela – ID 9108

• Andressa Silva – ID 9232

• Marcelo Surerus – ID 9201

• Solange Moreira – ID 9188

• Armando Diogo – ID 9143

• Adriano Neves – ID 9113

• Nara Alcântara – ID 9196

• Jeroso Kicongo – ID 9218

• Inês Maria Marrazes – ID 932

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Newly Appointed Civil Diplomats and Identification Numbers

Art and Humanitarian Diplomacy

The ceremony also featured a special artistic contribution from Dr Luis José Polanco, a medical doctor and visual artist.

He presented one of his artworks to Jethro International, symbolising friendship, cultural exchange and appreciation for the organisation’s mission.

Cascais: A Celebration of Humanitarian Commitment

Set within one of Portugal’s historic landmarks, the ceremony celebrated individuals who bring professional expertise and personal commitment to Humanitarian Civil Diplomacy.

Through recognition, new appointments and cultural exchange, the event reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, cooperation and shared responsibility across communities.

Acknowledging the Dedication of the Jethro International Team

Special appreciation goes to Fernanda Kania for her dedication to organising the ceremony and to the entire Jethro International team for their care, professionalism and warm hospitality. From coordinating invitations and selecting and welcoming guests to overseeing every stage of the event, the team worked together with enthusiasm, harmony and genuine joy. Their commitment and attention to detail contributed to a welcoming atmosphere and the smooth running of the ceremony until its conclusion.

Images by Lenny Coser and Wise Magazine