At Diocesan Pastoral Week in Angola, Catholic Bishop Urges Constructive Criticisms “even if they concern the Bishop”

Cabinda, 09 July, 2025 / 1:28 AM

Bishop Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti of the Catholic Diocese of Cabinda in Angola has encouraged pastoral agents in his Episcopal See to actively participate in the ongoing Diocesan Pastoral Week. 

In his homily during the opening Mass of the weeklong event on Monday, July 7, Bishop Chissengueti urged members of the Clergy and Laity to share constructive criticisms and proposals, emphasizing the importance of transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility in building a truly synodal Church.

“Let no one be afraid or ashamed to offer suggestions or express criticisms—even if they concern the Bishop,” the Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp./Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) said.

He explained, “I am not afraid of being criticized. Those who love us speak the truth to our faces so that we may improve. The problem is speaking behind people’s backs or murmuring in secret.”

Bishop Chissengueti said that although the Church has a hierarchical structure composed of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, the Church is fundamentally the people of God.

“The hierarchy exists to serve the people. It only has value as long as it is in service to those from whom it comes,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Set to conclude on Sunday, July 13, the Diocesan Pastoral Week aimed to foster deeper communion, participation, and mission in the local Church, in line with the theme of the multi-year Synod on Synodality that was concluded on 27 October 2024 in Rome.

Throughout the week, Bishop Chissengueti is leading a series of pastoral encounters across Parishes, engaging various ecclesial movements and lay groups, including the Apostolate of Prayer, Legion of Mary, Fraternity groups, Franciscan Youth, and the Charismatic Renewal, among others. 

The highlight of the week is the Ordination of new Priests that is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at Our Lady Queen of the World Parish.

Going beyond Diocesan engagements, Bishop Chissengueti has reportedly called for political reform in Angola. 

Reflecting on the country’s 50th independence anniversary, he lamented the growing hardships Angolans face and criticized the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and failing public services.

“With each passing day, the difficulties seem to multiply rather than be resolved,” he said, adding, “Fuel prices rise, transportation costs follow, goods become more expensive, and wages remain the same—especially in the public sector.”

Bishop Chissengueti decried the deteriorating quality of life and challenged leaders to prioritize the common good. 

“There must be a new way of doing politics and economics. Our people are suffering. Despite all the taxes, public services remain deplorable,” he lamented. 

The Spiritan Bishop proposed a national reflection and dialogue, urging Angolans to come together to define priorities that are realistic, resourced, and oriented toward improving lives. 

“Fifty years after independence, we must ask: where are we really headed?” he said.