At Diocesan Pastoral Week in Angola, Catholic Bishop Urges Constructive Criticisms “even if they concern the Bishop”

“The hierarchy exists to serve the people. It only has value as long as it is in service to those from whom it comes,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Set to conclude on Sunday, July 13, the Diocesan Pastoral Week aimed to foster deeper communion, participation, and mission in the local Church, in line with the theme of the multi-year Synod on Synodality that was concluded on 27 October 2024 in Rome.

Throughout the week, Bishop Chissengueti is leading a series of pastoral encounters across Parishes, engaging various ecclesial movements and lay groups, including the Apostolate of Prayer, Legion of Mary, Fraternity groups, Franciscan Youth, and the Charismatic Renewal, among others. 

The highlight of the week is the Ordination of new Priests that is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at Our Lady Queen of the World Parish.

Going beyond Diocesan engagements, Bishop Chissengueti has reportedly called for political reform in Angola. 

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Reflecting on the country’s 50th independence anniversary, he lamented the growing hardships Angolans face and criticized the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and failing public services.

“With each passing day, the difficulties seem to multiply rather than be resolved,” he said, adding, “Fuel prices rise, transportation costs follow, goods become more expensive, and wages remain the same—especially in the public sector.”

Bishop Chissengueti decried the deteriorating quality of life and challenged leaders to prioritize the common good. 

“There must be a new way of doing politics and economics. Our people are suffering. Despite all the taxes, public services remain deplorable,” he lamented. 

The Spiritan Bishop proposed a national reflection and dialogue, urging Angolans to come together to define priorities that are realistic, resourced, and oriented toward improving lives. 

“Fifty years after independence, we must ask: where are we really headed?” he said.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.