Young Catholics in Mozambique Urged to “do everything” to Promote Sanctity of Life

Beira, 25 November, 2025 / 6:12 PM

Bishop António Manuel Bogaio Constantino has called on young people to embrace an “active and transformative hope” rooted in Christ the King, urging them to reject bribery, lies, manipulation, and all forms of disregard for human life.

In his homily during the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 23, the Auxiliary Bishop of Beira Catholic Archdiocese in Mozambique stressed that a true Christian youth does not live only for themselves but cares for their own life and that of others. 

“Say no to the disrespect for life. Do everything to protect life,” Bishop Bogaio said, emphasizing that defending human life in all its forms is an essential witness in a time marked by indifference, violence, and manipulation of conscience. 

The Catholic Church leader said faith must be expressed in a way of life capable of resisting the forms of corruption that wound society.

“Let us together say no to bribery, no to lies, no to manipulation, and no to contempt for life,” Bishop Bogaio said during the Eucharistic celebration that was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral of Beira Archdiocese.

He said that Christ the King “shows the path we must walk,” and following this path demands moral coherence and integrity in all situations.

Bishop Bogaio insisted that the youth are called to be a “force of active hope in the Church and the nation, especially at a time when many young people face frustration, lack of opportunities, and temptations of easy paths.”

“Let us transform the world together. History continues with you,” he said, encouraging young people to return to their parishes “stronger, freer, holier, more missionary, carrying with them not only the joy of the Jubilee but also a commitment to be agents of spiritual and social renewal.”

The celebration of Christ the King in the Archdiocese of Beira included the passage through the Holy Door as part of the Jubilee. 

Recalling the spiritual symbolism of this Jubilee rite, Bishop Bogaio said that after crossing the Holy Door, which he described as “a symbol of God’s grace and mercy”, every Christian is called to be renewed and to publicly assume a firm moral commitment.

The Mozambican member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) noted that Christians who cross the Holy Door and receive God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation cannot return to daily life without concrete change. 

“The Lord has given you this mission. A mission lived in active, not passive hope; a creative hope, not one of despair; a transformative hope,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader insisted that society urgently needs young people who embrace mission with courage and determination, witnessing to Christ in their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

 “Let us transform the world with Christ, our King. This is the path that gives meaning to the Jubilee and renews the Church: to walk with Christ, to reject everything that destroys human dignity, and to be living signs of hope and mercy in society,” he said.