Newly Ordained Catholic Priest in Angola Urged to Be “a specialist in God’s presence in the world”

Kwito-Bié, 18 November, 2025 / 3:45 PM

Bishop Vicente Sanombo of Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Kwito-Bié has urged a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), whom he ordained a Priest, to become “a specialist in God’s presence in the world,” embracing a ministry marked by humility, perseverance, and total dedication to God and His people.

In his homily during the November 16 Priestly Ordination of Deacon Eugénio Lumingo, Bishop Sanombo noted that “the gift of the Priesthood is great and demands gratitude, coherence of life, and responsibility.”

“A Priest is called to be a specialist in God’s presence in the world and a bearer of a mission that demands dedication, perseverance, and authenticity,” the Angolan Catholic Archbishop said during the event that was held at Mother of Perpetual Help Parish of his Episcopal See.

He added, “The Priest cannot remain indifferent to human suffering and must be a living witness of the love of Christ who frees, consoles, and renews.”

Bishop Sanombo urged the Priest-elect to be a “man of God,” cultivating a solid spiritual life marked by fervent prayer, frequent sacraments, meditation, and spiritual maturity. 

“A Priest must be a man of ongoing formation,” he said, underscoring the importance of reading, study, and the continuous search for wisdom in order to serve God’s people well.

The Catholic Church leader also appealed for fraternal and communal life, emphasizing that “one who cannot live in community cannot be a Priest for fraternity is an essential part of Priestly identity.” 

He said the mission entrusted to the Priest-elect requires prudence, humility, and authenticity of life, avoiding arrogance and pride, which are “contrary to Priestly identity.”

Bishop Sanombo further noted that “a Priest must be deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, cultivate human and spiritual virtues, and always remain joyful, trusting in the grace of God “who never abandons His servants.”

“The Priest is called to proclaim the Word, celebrate the divine mysteries, reconcile the faithful, comfort the sick, and lead the people of God to unity, carrying out his ministry as a true representative of Christ the Shepherd,” he said.

Bishop Sanombo continued, “The greatness of the Priest lies in uniting the prayers and needs of the people with the sacrifice of Christ.”

He urged the Priest-elect to remain joyful, strong, and confident, reminding him that “this is what the people expect from their Priests.”