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Caritas Entities “prophetic sign in today’s world”: Catholic Official in Lusophone Africa

Credit: Catholic Diocese of São Tomé and Príncipe
João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

São Tomé, 15 September, 2025 / 4:15 pm (ACI Africa).

Caritas organizations in Portuguese-speaking African countries (Lusophone countries) are “a prophetic, united, and active voice” in addressing the challenges that vulnerable members of communities face, the Director of Caritas Angola has said.

In an interview with ACI Africa following the 12th Forum of Lusophone Caritas, which was held from September 9-12 in São Tomé and Príncipe, Sr. Rosa Lydia Gonzalez da Costa described the joint mission of Lusophone Caritas as both a testimony of faith and a force for social action.

“What we witnessed these days was a true Pentecost of sharing challenges and hopes. Our united voice in favour of those who suffer is a prophetic sign in today’s world,” Sr. Lydia told ACI Africa on September 13 referring to the gathering held under the theme, “Lusophone Caritas: For the respect of life and human dignity.” 

The Mexican-born member of the Sisters Hospitaller of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (HSC) underscored the importance of strengthening outreach to migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), children facing abuse, and communities affected by climate change. 

“Our mission is to be the face of mercy and justice wherever human dignity is threatened. This requires concrete actions, but also communion with the local Church,” she said.

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The HSC member went on to highlight the relevance of inter-Congregational work.

“We have an ecclesial responsibility that obliges us to go beyond the borders of comfort. When the Church draws close to those who suffer and those on the margins, she rediscovers the Gospel. This forum was living proof of that: we were challenged to step out of ourselves, to listen, and to respond,” she said.

Sr. Lydia also said that Lusophone Caritas entities need to move toward greater professionalization and networking without losing the spirituality of service.

“The challenge is to unite management efficiency with missionary zeal. Only in this way will we be faithful to the mandate we received at baptism: to be servants of the Gospel of Charity,” she said.

The Catholic Sister went on to reflect on the transformative role of volunteering, which, according to her, “is the beating heart of our actions.” 

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She lauded the silent witness of thousands of men and women, young and old, who daily offer their time and talents in the name of the Kingdom.

“Volunteers are the breath of the Spirit in the Church; they are the anonymous faces of hope. Without them, what would we be? They make visible the grace that acts quietly,” she added.

Sr. Lydia further said that the gathering “reinforced Pope Francis’ call for us to be a Church that goes forth, synodal, and at the service of humanity.”

“In the heart of Lusophone Africa, Caritas reaffirmed that, even in the midst of the storms of the world, hope does not die—it transforms,” the Mexican HSC member told ACI Africa.

João Vissesse

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

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