“The country needs you”: Catholic Bishop in Angola Urges Youth to Embrace Peace, Hope in Christ

Benguela, 25 November, 2025 / 6:10 PM

Bishop António Francisco Jaca of Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Benguela has urged young Angolans to become agents of peace and hope, rejecting violence and destructive paths, so as to build a just society.

In his homily during the Solemnity of Christ the King, Bishop Jaca emphasized that youth are called to “overcome evil with good” and help shape the future of their communities.

“Christ calls each person to rise and live responsibly. Youth need courage to reject paths that harm society,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said during the Sunday, November 23 Mass, emphasizing that “commitment to good begins when a young person decides that their life should help others grow rather than fall.”

He said, “The future will be different when more youth are committed to respect and justice. Youth must take up the challenge to show, through their actions, that change is possible, especially when one chooses to serve rather than harm.”

“The country needs you. The Church needs young people capable of promoting peace, fraternity, and solidarity,” the Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) said during the event that was held at St. Francis of Assisi Luhongo Parish of his Episcopal See.

He underscored the importance of caring for one another, pointing out the plight of many youths living without support or guidance. 

“Every young person can be a light for a friend who has lost their way. No one should abandon those living in violence or drug abuse. Approaching and caring for them can save lives and rebuild stories,” Bishop Jaca said.

He described this attitude of proximity as a concrete expression of true friendship and commitment to the common good.

Bishop Jaca said, “Every young person must believe that there is always a possibility for change when they choose the path of goodness.”

Meanwhile, in the Catholic Diocese of Sumbe, the Vicar General, Fr. João Abel, delivered a message of hope to young people, urging them not to succumb to despair. 

Speaking at the Multi-purpose Pavilion of Gabela of Queen St. Isabel Parish, he reminded them that “Christ is our hope” and walks with each young person, even when life seems frustrating, exhausting, or uncertain.

Fr. Abel underscored the importance of living purposefully, upholding Christian values, and spreading solidarity, justice, and love within communities.

“Even when life is difficult, frustrating, and meaningless, Christ remains by each young person, giving them strength, courage, and hope. On days when everything seems to collapse, and life loses direction, it is essential to remember that Christ is the light that illuminates our steps, the strength that sustains us, and the hope that guides us,” he said.

He explained that “life can often feel heavy and full of obstacles, but Christ’s presence transforms discouragement into courage and confusion into clarity.”

Fr. Abel encouraged perseverance, commitment to Christian values, and living faith, emphasizing that youth are called to be a light in society, living with purpose, hope, and joy even amid difficulties.