New Priests, Deacon in Angola Cautioned against “deceptive doctrinal currents of our time”

Luanda, 13 January, 2026 / 2:17 AM

The Bishop of Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Viana has urged the two Deacons and a Seminarian he ordained to guard their ministry against misleading teachings that pose a serious threat to the faith and to the people entrusted to their care.

In his homily during the January 10 Priestly Ordination of two Deacons and the Diaconate Ordination of a Seminarian, the Local Ordinary of Viana Diocese urged them to remain vigilant against the powers of evil, steadfast in truth, and fully committed to the care of their flock.

“The Priest must always be vigilant, firm in the face of the threatening powers of evil, remaining alert to protect the flock entrusted to him,” Bishop Emílio Sumbelelo said during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at St. Francis Cathedral of Viana Diocese.

The Angolan Catholic Bishop warned against “the deceptive doctrinal currents of our time,” noting that a Priest must remain firm in revealed truth and never consent to erroneous doctrine.

“The Priesthood requires constant vigilance and firmness. You are called to be a light for others and to lead with integrity, never allowing evil to gain access to your flock,” Bishop Sumbelelo said.

He added that “standing before the Lord” must be “more than a ritual act”, adding, “It means being concerned for humanity before Jesus Christ, keeping the soul alert and the heart firm to resist the temptations and deceptions of the world.”

The Catholic Bishop emphasized that a Priest must not give in to indifference or routine, noting that “the word of the Priest must always bring consolation, edification, and guidance to all those he serves.”

Bishop Sumbelelo urged the Priests-elect and Deacon-elect to be men of intense prayer, saying, “Be vigilant and close to God, so that you may faithfully fulfill the mission you have received.” 

He explained that the world needs firm shepherds, capable of leading the people to the truth and protecting them from the snares of evil.

The Catholic Church leader emphasized that commitment to the good is “not merely theoretical” but “must be lived concretely in every word, every celebration, and every gesture of care toward those entrusted to you.”

The Bishop of Viana said that a Deacon “must be someone who conveys the presence of Christ through his hands, offering the Bread of Life and spiritually guiding all with patience and love, remaining vigilant against any threat to the flock.”

“Personal union with Christ is essential. Everything in Priestly preparation and formation must lead to this intimacy, for upon it depend the fidelity and effectiveness of the Priestly ministry,” he added.

Bishop Sumbelelo underscored the importance of humility and service, saying, “Whoever wishes to be great among you must be the servant of all; the Priest is called to service, not to power, and his life must be totally dedicated to the love of Christ and to the care of his flock.”