Spiritan Archbishop in Angola Urges Formation of Priests Capable of Discerning “Signs of the Times”

By João Vissesse

Lubango, 29 May, 2026 / 4:12 pm (ACI Africa).

Archbishop Gabriel Mbilingi of Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Lubango has called for the formation of Priests capable of discerning the “signs of the times” and responding effectively to the social, spiritual, and cultural challenges facing contemporary society.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, May 26 at the opening of the Fourth Philosophical-Theological Week in Lubango, Archbishop Mbilingi underscored the need for Priestly formation that remains closely connected to the realities young people and communities confront today.

“The Church needs ministers prepared to interpret the signs of the times and respond adequately to the social and spiritual crises of today,” the Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans/Holy Ghost Fathers/CSSp.) said.

He noted that the Church must avoid offering Seminarians a formation disconnected from the practical realities of the society they will serve.

“Priestly formation must respond to the current challenges of youth and evangelization,” he said, insisting that the aim is “to ensure that priests do not receive a decontextualized formation.”

According to the Archbishop of Lubango, a well-formed priest should contribute not only to the life of the Church but also to the transformation of society.

“A well-formed priest is not limited to the environment of the Church or the parish. He is a transformer of society itself,” he said. 

The 68-year-old Catholic Church leader explained that the Philosophical-Theological Week serves as an important opportunity for the Church to evaluate seminary formation programmes and introduce improvements where necessary.

“The Church must accompany social changes to ensure that seminarians are prepared to respond to the demands of the present time,” the Archbishop of Lubango since September 2009 said.

He further underscored the importance of intellectual and pastoral formation, saying Priests must possess the ability to positively influence society through witness, reflection, and evangelization.

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“Priests must be capable of influencing society positively through testimony and pastoral service,” Archbishop Mbilingi said.

The Catholic Church leader noted that Dioceses across Angola continue to organize formation initiatives aimed at strengthening the preparation of future Priests for pastoral ministry and evangelization.

He explained that this year’s edition seeks to help Seminarians better understand the concrete realities affecting young people and contemporary society.

“The young people to whom we are going to proclaim the Gospel — what do they expect from the Church and from evangelization?” he posed.

Archbishop Mbilingi also emphasized that the mission of Priests extends beyond parish boundaries and reaches every dimension of society.

“Well-prepared Priests can contribute to the ethical, moral, and intellectual renewal of society through Christian witness and pastoral engagement,” the Spiritan Archbishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in January 2000 as Coadjutor Bishop of Lwena Diocese in Angola said.

The Catholic Archbishop expressed satisfaction with the continuity of the annual Philosophical-Theological Week and the growing involvement of ecclesiastical institutions in seminary formation.

“These initiatives strengthen the preparation of future Priests and consolidate the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church in Angola,” he said.

Addressing journalists on cases of sexual abuse involving Catholic Clergy, Archbishop Mbilingi reaffirmed the Church’s firm position against abuse, particularly when minors are involved.

“The Church has a clear and firm position regarding sexual crimes, especially when the victims are minors,” he stated.

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According to the Archbishop of Lubango, any Priest found guilty of sexually abusing minors must immediately be suspended from ministry and subjected to civil justice.

“If it is proven that sexual abuse occurred and involved a minor, the priest is immediately suspended from his priestly function. Anyone who sexually abuses minors, even if he is a priest, must be subjected to judgment under civil law,” he said.

Archbishop Mbilingi emphasized that the Catholic Church condemns all forms of sexual abuse and rejects any attempt to conceal such crimes.

He lamented the damage abuse scandals cause to the credibility of the Church and emphasized that the protection of children and adolescents must remain an absolute priority within the Church’s evangelizing and educational mission.

Meanwhile, the President of the Conference of Religious Institutes of Angola (CIRA), Lubango branch, Sr. Emília Filipe, reflected on the growing challenges faced by consecrated men and women in modern society.

“We cannot become complacent,” Sr. Filipe said.

She noted that Religious Life today requires courage, fidelity to the Gospel, and commitment to reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness.

“Our consecration impels us to become men and women of reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness,” she said.

The Catholic Sister also warned that many consecrated persons face “silent persecution” through social media attacks and online defamation campaigns.

“These attacks affect the identity, mission, and spiritual stability of many religious,” she cautioned.

Sr. Filipe urged Church leaders and pastoral agents to use modern technologies responsibly as instruments for evangelization and not tools that undermine human dignity.

“The great challenge today is learning how to deal responsibly with new technologies,” she said.

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