Angola’s Ganda Catholic Diocese Marks First Anniversary with Renewed Call for Commitment in Faith

Benguela, 07 August, 2025 / 12:08 AM

Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Ganda has marked the first anniversary of its erection with a renewed appeal from the pioneer Local Ordinary for steadfastness and commitment in Christian faith in view of realizing a vibrant local Church.

In his homily during a Thanksgiving Mass on August 3, Bishop  Estêvão Binga rejoiced at the steady growth of the local Church community despite limited resources.

“We give thanks to God for everything He has granted us. Despite material limitations and pastoral challenges, the Diocese’s journey has been marked by hope and commitment,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at St. John the Baptist Cathedral of his Episcopal See.

He noted that “there is much we have accomplished and much still to do, but we remain undeterred, united in our commitment to the growth of God’s Holy Kingdom.” 

Bishop Binga outlined tangible signs of development across Parishes, missions, and centers within the Diocese since its erection on 01 August 2024, saying, “Although not all opportunities have been properly seized, nor can we do everything at once, a living sign is the walls of our Cathedral Church, which for over a year, or almost two years, has not had a single brick added.”

He acknowledged that “in every Parish, every Mission, there are always signs of growth.” 

Bishop Binga said, “Even small gestures, such as the offering of a kilo of corn flour, express the vitality of the faith of the people. Everything is a gift, everything is grace.”

“These changes, even modest, are recognized as fruits of the collective commitment of the faithful. Signs of life and growth… And all this is cause for celebration. We continue with the same spirit,” the Catholic Church leader said.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to political, civil, military, traditional, academic, and religious leaders who have supported the Diocese’s journey, saying, “I thank all who have walked this first year with us.”

Bishop Binga encouraged the community to root its life in Christ for lasting growth and meaningful service.

On 01 August 2024, the Holy See Press office announced the erection of Ganda Diocese and the appointment of Bishop Binga, who had been serving as Auxiliary Bishop of Benguela Diocese, as its pioneer Bishop. 

Carved out from the Benguela Diocese, the newly erected Episcopal See becomes one of the suffragan Dioceses in the Metropolitan See of Huambo.

The new Diocese measures 24.447 square kilometers. It has a population of 947.826 of which 633.636 are Catholic faithful, representing 66.9 percent of the total population of the territory of the Diocese, according to 2024 statistics.