Newly Ordained Catholic Priests in Angola Told not to Remain Indifferent to Difficulties Faced by Families

By João Vissesse

Lubango, 16 June, 2026 / 3:35 pm (ACI Africa).

Archbishop Gabriel Mbilingi of Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Lubango has called on nine Deacons he ordained Priests to take an active role in addressing injustice, poverty, and the suffering of families.

In his homily during the June 13 Priestly Ordination at Our Lady of Fatima Parish of Lubango Archdiocese, Archbishop Mbilingi called on the Priests-elect to root their ministry in service to the people, especially those most affected by social and economic hardship.

“Priests must not remain indifferent to injustice, poverty, and the difficulties faced by many families, but must become promoters of human dignity and hope,” the Angolan Catholic Archbishop said.

He emphasized that the Church’s evangelizing mission is inseparable from efforts to build a more just and reconciled society, noting that the pursuit of peace continues even beyond the end of armed conflicts.

Archbishop Mbilingi said the Church’s mission for peace is ongoing and must be expressed through reconciliation, development, and care for the most vulnerable.

“It is decisive that we do not give up denouncing injustice, while presenting proposals inspired by Christian charity,” he said, urging the Priests-elect to read social realities with wisdom and contribute to transforming their communities.

The Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp./Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) reflected the Church’s long-standing role in Angola through education, healthcare, and social assistance, describing these as essential contributions to human development. 

He encouraged the Priests-elect to preserve and strengthen this legacy through their pastoral work.

The Catholic Archbishop further called for collaboration with all people of goodwill in building a more inclusive and fraternal society, emphasizing that development is closely tied to peace.

“The Church must continue to collaborate with all men and women of goodwill in building a more inclusive and fraternal society,” he said.

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Reflecting on Angola’s history of conflict, Archbishop Mbilingi urged the faithful to promote a “reconciled memory,” encouraging forgiveness and peaceful coexistence among citizens.

“Promote a reconciled memory, educating all toward harmony,” he said, adding that peace requires a sustained commitment to justice, solidarity, and respect for human dignity.

He also encouraged the Priests-elect to remain close to the poor, the sick, and those on the margins of society, saying their credibility depends on their ability to accompany human suffering.

“In a country where human dignity is at times denied, where the cry of the poor is heard alongside the groaning of the earth, priests are called to be the sacramental presence of Christ who walks with his people,” he said.

Warning against clerical ambition and self-centered ministry, the Catholic Archbishop urged Priests to avoid seeking privilege and instead remain rooted in service and prayer.

Citing Pope Leo XIV, he said Catholic Priests must be “men of prayer, faithful to the Church, close to communities, and capable of uniting sound doctrine, apostolic zeal, and pastoral charity.”

Reflecting on the biblical readings of the day, he recalled the mission of Christ as proclaimed by the prophet Isaiah—to bring good news to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and liberate the oppressed—stating that this mission continues through the Church today.

Archbishop Mbilingi encouraged the Priests-elect to remain faithful and enthusiastic in their vocation.

“Do not grow tired of praying, listening, and serving. Be men of God, men of the people, men of the altar, and men of the cross who carry the resurrection,” he said.

He thanked the families of the newly ordained Priests for supporting vocations and urged them to continue accompanying them with prayer and Christian witness as they begin their Priestly ministry.

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João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.