Catholic Sisters in Angola Reflect on Life, Legacy of Recently Canonized Members in Rome

Luanda, 24 October, 2025 / 10:24 PM

Catholic Sisters in Angola have joined the universal Church in celebrating the canonization of members of their Congregations, who were canonized on October 19 by Pope Leo XIV in Rome, reflecting on their legacy of faith, courage, and service to humanity.

In an interview with ACI Africa on Thursday, October 23, representatives of various congregations described the canonization as “a moment of grace and inspiration for consecrated life in Angola and Africa.” 

The Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) in Angola, also called Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, described the canonization of Sr. Maria Troncatti as a moment of great significance for the congregation, for Angola, and for the world.

Mother Natália Miguel Pereira noted that Sr. Troncatti, whose mission in Latin America was distinguished by promoting peace between indigenous peoples and settlers, leaves a legacy of reconciliation and love that the congregation seeks to radiate throughout the world, particularly in Angola, where challenges to national unity persist.

Mother Natália emphasized that the canonization is a “historic milestone that fills them with hope and challenges them to revive Sister Maria’s missionary spirit.”

Sr. Troncatti, she said, was a “true bridge-builder between diverse peoples and cultures.”

“For Angola, this example could not come at a better time, precisely as we celebrate 50 years of independence while still seeking to build genuine unity among the country’s various ethnic groups and communities,” she said.

Maria Troncatti, an Italian Salesian Sister, spent nearly five decades as a missionary in Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest among the Indigenous Shuar people. 

Growing up in Italy, Troncatti showed an interest in religious life from a young age. She made her first profession as part of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, also known as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, in 1908.

During World War I, Sister Maria trained in health care and worked as a Red Cross nurse in a military hospital. In 1925, she began her mission serving the Shuar Indians in the Amazon forest in the southeastern part of Ecuador. For 44 years, she was known as “Madrecita,” or “little mother,” by everyone in the village. Not only did she serve as a surgeon, dentist, nurse, orthopedist, and anesthesiologist, but she was also a faithful catechist sharing the Gospel with all those she served. 

Sister Maria died at the age of 86 on Aug. 25, 1969, in a plane crash. She was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012.

Speaking about Sr. Troncatti’s legacy during the October 23 interview, Mother Natália highlighted several key aspects of her life and work. 

She described her as a “tireless missionary” who, despite difficulties, dedicated her life to serving indigenous communities in Ecuador, promoting education, healthcare, and, above all, peaceful coexistence among traditionally divided peoples.

“Her life is a living testimony of mercy and love for others, which are central pillars of the congregation’s mission,” the Catholic Sister said.

Mother Natália emphasized that Sister Maria’s legacy has much to offer the contemporary world, marked by conflicts and divisions. 

“She teaches that true mission is not only evangelization but also creating spaces for encounter and dialogue where differences are respected and embraced. This is a message to be urgently embraced not only in Angola but everywhere,” she said.

Addressing the challenges that Sister Maria’s legacy brings to the world, Mother Natália emphasized that the greatest challenge is “turning words into concrete actions, building bridges of peace where walls of hatred and distrust once stood—a mission that requires courage, perseverance, faith, and determination.”

Speaking specifically about Angola, Mother Natália noted that despite political and social progress since independence, the country still faces ethnic and regional tensions that hinder social cohesion. 

She highlighted cases of prejudice and xenophobia among communities and underscored the need to “foster understanding and unity, particularly in schools, where stereotypes often divide children and young people.”

Mother Natália urged Angola to invest heavily in education for intercultural understanding, promoting values that overcome tribalism and encourage mutual respect. 

She emphasized that this effort must be collective, involving families, the Church, the state, and civil society, to ensure that peace and reconciliation are lived in practice. 

“It is not enough to speak; daily action in small things is necessary for a culture of encounter to become a reality in Angola,” she said.

Regarding the canonization celebrations, Mother Natália shared that the events in Angola were marked by great emotion and unity, with novenas, vigils, masses, and reflections in multiple communities. 

These events, she said, “served as a call to renew the missionary and peace-building commitment of the faithful.”

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She noted that the canonization strengthens faith and hope in Angola, noting that recognizing a woman who dedicated her life to others as a saint is a “sign that God remains present and active.”

Meanwhile, Sr. Albertina Venancia Chikumbo of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona (ISM) has reflected on the legacy of their Foundress Mother Vincenza Maria Poloni, also canonized on October 19 by Pope Leo XIV. 

“Mother Poloni represents a living example of faith and mercy for the congregation in Angola and worldwide,” Sr. Albertina said.

She noted that the canonization is a “pivotal moment inspiring them to bring mercy wherever they serve, especially in Angola, which still faces the marks of colonial history and social reconstruction challenges.”

Sr. Albertina emphasized that “true holiness lies in humble and consistent service to the poor, sick, and needy, a call urgently needed in contemporary society.”

She highlighted Mother Poloni’s deep faith, total commitment to charity and mercy, and dedication to orphans, the elderly, and the sick, especially in times of extreme difficulty and poverty, saying, “This example of love and service is fundamental for all sisters and those wishing to follow her path.’

Sr. Albertina stressed that Mother Poloni’s legacy is “an invitation to live mercy with simplicity, humility, and perseverance. In Angola’s challenging social and historical context, this message resonates as a call to renew faith and hope, offering concrete care and love to the most vulnerable.”

She added that the challenge of this legacy is to “maintain genuine love and service even amid difficulties, demonstrating that small acts of mercy can collectively transform society into a better and more just world.”

“The canonization of Mother Vincenza Maria Poloni is undoubtedly a guiding light, showing that even in difficult times, faith and charity can move mountains,” Sr. Albertina said.

Mother Poloni, an Italian religious sister, founded the ISM Congregation to care for the poor, sick, and elderly. 

Born the youngest of 12 siblings, she discerned her vocation under the guidance of Blessed Charles Steeb as she devoted her time to working with the poor, the elderly, and the chronically ill.

In 1836, during the cholera epidemic 1836, she worked tirelessly in the emergency wards, putting her own health at risk. In 1840, she devoted herself full-time to the care of the sick and elderly and began to live a similar lifestyle to that of a religious sister — fervent prayer, strict schedules, and total service of charity toward others. 

In September 1848, Poloni founded the Sisters of Mercy of Verona and took the name Vincenza Maria. 

Her motto, “Serving Christ in the Poor,” became the foundation of her congregation, which can be found today on three continents. She died on Nov. 11, 1855, from a tumor that had spread throughout her body. She was beatified in 2008.