“Vocations fair” Set to Crown Mission Month in Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda

Luanda, 16 October, 2025 / 8:21 PM

The Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda in Angola has announced that the planned “Vocations and Missions Park”, scheduled for October 19, will mark the high point of the Archdiocese’s Mission month.

The event, described as a “fair” is set to take place at the Blessed Anuarite Nengapeta Parish of Luanda Archdiocese, and will serve as a celebration of missionary spirit and a platform to inspire new vocations in the Church.

Speaking to ACI Africa on Monday, October 13, Fr. Osvaldo Vicente Dala said the event is special because it combines two essential pillars of the Church’s mission; World Mission Sunday and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

“We will celebrate the mission of the Church and, at the same time, pray for and promote local vocations,” Fr. Dala told ACI Africa.

Among the activities planned between October 1 and 26, the Vocations and Missions Park stands out as the most significant, as it will bring together youth and representatives of various religious congregations in a dynamic atmosphere of encounter and witness.

“It’s there that young people will listen to testimonies, discover the charisms of different congregations, and perhaps take the first step toward answering God’s call already echoing in their hearts,” Fr. Dala explained.

The day will begin with  Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Fernando Francisco, the Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda Archdiocese, who oversees vocations and Missions in the Metropolitan See.

After the Mass, participants will gather for the Vocations and Missions Park, described by the PMS Director as a “true vocational fair.”

“Each congregation will have about ten minutes to speak, perform, or share a short testimony that reflects its charism and mission,” he said. 

The Angolan Catholic Priest continued, “For many young people, this will be a rare opportunity to learn about saints and founders of religious congregations, helping them make informed and inspired choices.”

Reflecting on the growth of vocations in the Archdiocese, Fr. Dala said Luanda has been “blessed with many vocations,” thanks to the leadership of Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias and the dedication of pastoral vocations teams.

“We cannot complain. Young people are responding to God’s call. Thanks to the encouragement of our Archbishop and the efforts of pastoral leaders, many young people are entering Religious Life and the Archdiocesan Seminary,” he said.

Although he acknowledged that “the harvest is great and the laborers are few,” the Catholic official said there are “strong signs of hope.”

“The Church’s mission is to continue nurturing, cultivating, and supporting these vocations with love, prayer, and proper formation,” he added.

Fr. Dala outlined the activities filling Missionary month in Luanda, which began on October 1 and will close on October 26.

Celebrations started on the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, patroness of missions, with Masses and exhibitions about her life. 

There were also missionary processions, solidarity campaigns in hospitals and prisons, renewal ceremonies for members of the Missionary Childhood and Youth Missionary League, and catechesis broadcasts.

The month’s programming has been organized around weekly missionary themes aired on Radio Ecclesia, each offering spiritual and educational content for both youth and adults.

Fr. Dala encouraged young people not to be afraid to respond to God’s call.

“Being with Jesus is the best choice we can make. Don’t be afraid to answer His call. Approach your communities, talk to Priests, and learn about the different charisms. The Lord continues to call, but we must listen. Vocation is both a gift and a mission,” he said.

The Priest emphasized that Missionary Month is not meant to end in October but to inspire ongoing commitment.

“October is just the starting point. We want mission and vocation to be lived daily with faith, generosity, and dedication. May every young person say ‘yes’ to the Lord with courage and joy,” he told ACI Africa.