Pilgrims at Our Lady of Muxima Shrine in Angola Urged to “build new relationships” Conforming to Gospel

Bishop Muananoua reflected on reconciliation as a hallmark of faith, saying, “We are called to welcome, forgive, and restore broken bonds. Take this moment to rebuild what selfishness or pride has separated.”

The Mozambican Catholic Bishop, who was appointed Auxiliary Bishop for Maputo in March 2023 reminded pilgrims that the Muxima Shrine, Angola’s most important Marian site with more than 400 years of history, is not just a place of devotion, but “a living memory and a meeting point between heaven and earth.”

Over the three-day pilgrimage, an estimated one million pilgrims passed through the shrine, many walking long distances under the sun. 

For Bishop Muananoua, their sacrifice embodies authentic discipleship. 

“Whoever does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple, says Jesus. Following the Lord requires courage, renunciation, and surrender. This is the true spirit of pilgrimage: sacrifice transformed into living faith,” he said.

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The 53-year-old Catholic Bishop offered a spontaneous prayer to Mother Muxima, entrusting to her the pain, hopes, and struggles of the faithful. 

“Make of every home a place of peace, of every gesture a sign of hope, of every heart a dwelling place for God. Walk with us, teach us to follow Jesus with joy, with true surrender, and with firm faith. Amen,” he implored.

Bishop Muananoua sent the pilgrims home with the mission “to be prophets of love, builders of communion, promoters of mission, and servants of reconciliation, beginning with our families.”

“The true pilgrimage begins when we return home ready to follow Jesus every day with courage, fidelity, and love,” he said.

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