Two Angolan Prelates Call for Fostering of Catholic Identity in Learning Institutions, Highlight Other Gaps, Solutions

Luanda, 06 September, 2025 / 4:48 PM

Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda in Angola and his counterpart in country’s Cabinda Catholic Diocese have called for the fostering of a Catholic identity in institutions of learning under the auspices of the Church, and more investment in education in view of expansion.

Speaking on Thursday, September 4 at the inauguration of the General Dinguanza Missionary School Complex in Luanda's Patriota neighborhood, Archbishop Dias said the country must prioritize education to meet the needs of its people.

“There is a great demographic growth, and this demographic growth requires a great effort in the development of social facilities,” he said, and added, “Alongside this demographic growth, there is a great deficit of structures and teachers. Material resources and financial means are necessary for the development of these structures.”

The new school, established by the Obra de Maria community in partnership with the Italian Catholic Bishops' Conference (CEI) was built on land that the late Angolan General António Henriques da Silva “Dinguanza” donated.

In his speech, Archbishop Dias praised the choice of Dinguanza as the school's patron, calling it “a gesture of memory and recognition.”

“We had not yet fully honored the memory of this soldier who wanted to leave his mark on this whole area with the urban project of the Patriota zone. And I want to congratulate you for that,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader offered thanked the project's founders, adding, “God bless all those who cooperated and who will cooperate so that this project may grow, and that this space may truly be a place where the image and likeness of God in humanity shines forth in all its splendor.”

Meanwhile, Bishop Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti of Cabinda Diocese has faulted Catholic schools that do not foster the identity of the Church, and pledged to realize pastoral visits in person to compliance.

“Many schools are Catholic, but afterwards, they do nothing more,” Bishop Chissengueti lamented on September 3 at the opening Mass of the school year at the Our Lady Queen of the World Parish of his Episcopal See.  

He added, “Apart from the opening of the year and maybe one Mass, there is nothing else that expresses our faith. This is worrying.”

 

The Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp./Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) underscored the importance of catechesis and faith activities in learning institutions, and lamented the danger of losing Catholic identity.

“Although we support diversity that builds unity, we must not lose the unity that expresses our convictions,” he said.

Bishop Chissengueti expressed his awareness of hardships teachers grapple with and challenged them to embrace their mission with courage.

He said, “Everyone knows that what you earn is not enough. What I earn is also not enough and sometimes nothing, but we all have to work and take responsibility for crossing this desert, certainly toward better times. You are true soldiers who give your intellect and intelligence to shape present and future generations.”

“Starting this school year, I will make effective visits to all schools to verify how the Catholic identity is being lived and how we can strengthen it. We must ensure that faith is not reduced to a label but truly becomes the spirit that drives everything we do in our institutions,” Bishop Chissengueti said.