Pilgrims at Our Lady of Muxima Shrine in Angola Urged to “build new relationships” Conforming to Gospel

Luanda, 10 September, 2025 / 5:59 PM

Bishop Tonito Francisco Xavier Muananoua has urged pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima in Angola to renew their commitment to Christ, rebuilding “new relationships” that conform to the values of the Gospel. 

Addressing pilgrims during the closing Mass of the annual pilgrimage on September 7, the Auxiliary Bishop of Mozambique’s Catholic Archdiocese of Maputo advocated for reconciliation and solidarity as manifestations of “spiritual rebirth”.

“I do not come only as a pilgrim on the road, but as a brother inviting you to renew your ‘yes’ to Christ, to extend reconciling hands, and to build new relationships in accordance with the Gospel,” Bishop Muananoua said at the conclusion of the September 4-7 event that was held under the theme, “With Mary, Let Us Walk with Hope”.

He urged pilgrims from Angola’s 20 Dioceses to return home as “living signs of commitment,” integrating forgiveness, reconciliation, and solidarity into their families, parishes, and communities. 

“Faith demands conversion, and this is achieved through concrete and lasting gestures,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Bishop Muananoua reflected on reconciliation as a hallmark of faith, saying, “We are called to welcome, forgive, and restore broken bonds. Take this moment to rebuild what selfishness or pride has separated.”

The Mozambican Catholic Bishop, who was appointed Auxiliary Bishop for Maputo in March 2023 reminded pilgrims that the Muxima Shrine, Angola’s most important Marian site with more than 400 years of history, is not just a place of devotion, but “a living memory and a meeting point between heaven and earth.”

Over the three-day pilgrimage, an estimated one million pilgrims passed through the shrine, many walking long distances under the sun. 

For Bishop Muananoua, their sacrifice embodies authentic discipleship. 

“Whoever does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple, says Jesus. Following the Lord requires courage, renunciation, and surrender. This is the true spirit of pilgrimage: sacrifice transformed into living faith,” he said.

The 53-year-old Catholic Bishop offered a spontaneous prayer to Mother Muxima, entrusting to her the pain, hopes, and struggles of the faithful. 

“Make of every home a place of peace, of every gesture a sign of hope, of every heart a dwelling place for God. Walk with us, teach us to follow Jesus with joy, with true surrender, and with firm faith. Amen,” he implored.

Bishop Muananoua sent the pilgrims home with the mission “to be prophets of love, builders of communion, promoters of mission, and servants of reconciliation, beginning with our families.”

“The true pilgrimage begins when we return home ready to follow Jesus every day with courage, fidelity, and love,” he said.