Catholic Bishop in Angola Urges Clergy, Consecrated Persons to “serve with courage, closeness, love for the Church”

Benguela, 23 October, 2025 / 6:23 PM

Bishop António Francisco Jaca of the Catholic Diocese of Benguela in Angola has urged members of the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL) to serve the Church with courage, closeness, and love, urging them to renew their commitment to fidelity, prudence, and humble service in their pastoral mission.

Speaking during the opening Mass of the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly in his Episcopal See, Bishop Jaca urged ICLSAL members to rediscover the depth and meaning of their vocation, stressing that Consecration is a call to selfless service.

“Our consecration is not for personal gain. We are made Priests to serve the People of God. Our lay brothers and sisters are at the heart of our mission. By serving them, we serve Christ Himself,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said during the Wednesday, October 22 Eucharistic celebration that was held at the Bishop Armando Amaral dos Santos Pastoral and Social Center.

He emphasized that pastoral mission must be exercised with vigilance and spiritual responsibility, never losing sight of the Gospel.

“Our greatest concern must always be the salvation of souls. We are stewards of the Lord’s gifts, called to be faithful and prudent, not masters of the house, but humble servants. We  must serve with courage, closeness, and love for the Church,” Bishop Jaca said.

The Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) lamented that some ministers risk being distracted by worldly interests and unworthy behavior.

“There is a real danger of losing focus. Some may begin to mistreat others with words and attitudes or become absorbed in comfort, pleasure, and indifference. The Lord warns us against such infidelity, which can lead to condemnation,” he said.

He added, “We live under the regime of grace, not of sin. We are servants of God and must offer our lives as instruments of His righteousness. This awareness is vital, especially in this second year of the triennium dedicated to Ordained Ministers and Consecrated Life.”

The 62-year-old Catholic Bishop also called for vigilance and coherence of life among ICLSAL members, reminding them that they are accountable to God for their mission.

“We must be faithful and prudent stewards. One day the Lord will ask for an account. Blessed are those He finds faithful,” he said.

Bishop Jaca further urged ICLSAL members to fight clericalism, deepen community life in parishes, and renew their commitment to the poor and vulnerable.

“We cannot treat the faithful with insensitivity. We are called to compassion and real presence among our people,” he warned.

The Catholic Church leader invited ICLSAL members to make the three-day assembly a moment of spiritual renewal and recommitment, saying, “May this encounter strengthen our following of Christ and our service to others. May Saint John Paul II intercede for us, that we may be joyful, vigilant, prudent, and faithful ministers of God’s call.”

The October 22-25 gathering is on the theme “Disciples Called and Formed by the Lord.”