Second Catholic Bishop of Mbanza Congo Diocese in Angola Dies at 80, Eulogized as “an example of humility, wisdom”

Mbanza Congo, 02 January, 2026 / 8:28 AM

Bishop Serafim Shyngo-Ya-Hombo, the second Catholic Bishop of Mbanza Congo Diocese in Angola, has passed on in Namibia at the age of 80.

The Angolan-born member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) died on Thursday, January 1, at a hospital in the capital city of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia, his confreres announced in a January 1 statement.

“Let us pray to the Lord of life for the eternal rest of Bishop Serafim Shingo-ya-Hombo,” OFM members in Angola say in the statement.

They note that details of the late Bishop’s funeral arrangements would be communicated at a later date.

“Grant him, O Lord, eternal rest in the splendour of perpetual light,” OFM members in Angola implore.

Born in Quibala in February 1945, the late Catholic Bishop took his vows as OFM Cap in October 1965; he was ordained a Priest in August 1971.

Since his Priestly Ordination, he served in several capacities, including Parish Priest, formator, Novice Master, director of young professed OFM Cap. members, counsellor, and first Vice Provincial Superior in Angola. 

In March 1990, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda Catholic Archdiocese, and consecrated Bishop later in June.  

In 1992, he was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Mbanza Kongo, where he exercised his pastoral ministry until he resigned in 2008 due to poor health.

Following the news of his passing, the Catholic Church leader has been remembered, in social media posts, for spearheading numerous pastoral initiatives.

“Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo was a man of unwavering faith, a true servant of God, an example of humility, wisdom, and total surrender to the evangelizing mission,” Portal São José says in a Facebook post.

He notes that the life of the late Bishop “was marked by the love of the Church, the people of God, and the Order of the Minor Capuchins, to which he belonged with dedication and Franciscan spirit.”

“Dom Serafim distinguished himself through his pastoral work, dedication to evangelization, and commitment to reconciliation, Christian formation, and the promotion of human dignity in northern Angola,” Jornal Apostolado Angola says in a statement.

The Angolan Catholic Newspaper further says, “During his Episcopate, he left a profound mark on the life of the local Church, being remembered as a pastor close to the people, simple in his dealings and firm in his principles.”

“The Catholic Church in Angola has lost one of its leading figures, and the faithful of Mbanza Congo bid farewell to a bishop who served with humility and a missionary spirit,” Jornal Apostolado Angola further says.