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At Anniversary of Angolan Catholic Diocese, Bishop Recognizes Missionaries’ “sacrifices”


On the occasion of the Ruby Jubilee of the Catholic Diocese of Cabinda in Angola, the Local Ordinary has recognized the “sacrifices and efforts” of missionaries involved in spreading the Gospel in his Episcopal See.

In his homily during the Sunday, October 1 Eucharistic celebration to mark four decades since the Angolan Diocese was established, Bishop Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti said, “These 40 years bear the sweat, sacrifices, dedication and creativity of many missionary Priests in the exercise of their duties.”

“We give thanks to God because it was through these men that God made the mystery of the Eucharist present and active, as the source and summit of all Christian life,” Bishop Chissengueti added during the celebration that took place at Our Lady Queen of the World Cathedral of Cabinda Diocese.

The Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit under the protection of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CSSp.) also called the Spiritans of Holy Ghost Fathers recognized “with gratitude” the pioneer Bishop of the Angolan Diocese, Bishop Paulino Fernandes Madeca, who he said “was appointed bishop in a diocese completely devoid of Priests, where the sacrifice of a few allowed the Eucharist to be celebrated in many parts and many places, in a spirit of true sacrifice, but also of great communion.”

“The sacrifices of the past have borne fruit for the growth of the Church,” he further said.

The Local Ordinary of Cabinda Diocese, who doubles as the president of the Episcopal Commission for youth, university ministry and Scouting of the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) went on to acknowledge the growth of new vocations and the commitment of the faithful, despite the challenges the people of God have faced over the years. 

Some of the “fruit of this selfless sacrifice,” he said, include “the opening of the seminary and also religious vocations.”

Established in July 1984 from the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Luanda, Cabinda Diocese measures 7,283 square kilometers and has a Catholic population of about 565,195, according to 2021 statistics.

Source: Aciafrica

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