Form “honest citizens”, Committed to Country’s Growth, Common Good: Bishop to Officials of Catholic Institute in Angola

Benguela, 03 June, 2025 / 8:23 PM

Bishop António Francisco Jaca of Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Benguela has urged staff of the Institute of Religious Sciences of Angola (ICRA) to aim for the training of students committed to honesty and the common good. 

In his homily during a Thanksgiving Mass to mark ICRA’s seventh anniversary, Bishop Jaca underscored the need for Catholic education to produce men and women of integrity, capable of making a difference in society through ethical conduct, service, and commitment to the common good.

“It takes the effort of everyone for our institution to be a place where men and women are formed to contribute to the growth of our country. We need good citizens, honest citizens, citizens who are loyal and focused on the good of society and the nation,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said during the May 31 Eucharistic celebration at Our Lady of Fatima Cathedral of Benguela Diocese.

Bishop Jaca noted that forming good Christians also means forming exemplary citizens who can act with integrity in any environment. 

“A key element of our Catholic institution is the holistic formation of the human person, rooted in essential human and Christian values,” he noted.

The Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) called for this formation to be grounded in clear moral and ethical principles, lived out daily.

 “These are people who uphold values, who are incorruptible, who can be trusted,” he said.

Bishop Jaca noted that ICRA’s mission goes far beyond academic instruction. 

“Our mission is to form men and women who will serve society with ethical and moral values,” he stated. “Christian values are fundamental to the growth of any society,” Bishop Jaca said.

He urged all members of the ICRA community to reflect on their individual commitment to the institution’s mission. 

“Whether teacher or student, we must carry out our duties with diligence, love, intelligence, and courage,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation, Bishop Jaca said, “We are not alone. Let us work together. Those who share our ideals are not opponents, but companions on the journey.”

He also spoke about the value of self-discipline and sacrifice, encouraging staff and students to stay focused on their primary mission and let go of distractions. 

“Paul left everything behind to fully dedicate himself to his mission,” Bishop Jaca said.

He added, “We have divine assistance. The Holy Spirit provides us with the strength, wisdom, love, and understanding we need to be good educators, students, and administrators.”

Bishop Jaca expressed hope that ICRA will continue to be “a place of fraternity, unity, and shared responsibility—where the love of God is felt and where everyone walks together in joy to build a better future.”