“Vocations fair” Set to Crown Mission Month in Angola’s Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda

“It’s there that young people will listen to testimonies, discover the charisms of different congregations, and perhaps take the first step toward answering God’s call already echoing in their hearts,” Fr. Dala explained.

The day will begin with  Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Fernando Francisco, the Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda Archdiocese, who oversees vocations and Missions in the Metropolitan See.

After the Mass, participants will gather for the Vocations and Missions Park, described by the PMS Director as a “true vocational fair.”

“Each congregation will have about ten minutes to speak, perform, or share a short testimony that reflects its charism and mission,” he said. 

The Angolan Catholic Priest continued, “For many young people, this will be a rare opportunity to learn about saints and founders of religious congregations, helping them make informed and inspired choices.”

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Reflecting on the growth of vocations in the Archdiocese, Fr. Dala said Luanda has been “blessed with many vocations,” thanks to the leadership of Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias and the dedication of pastoral vocations teams.

“We cannot complain. Young people are responding to God’s call. Thanks to the encouragement of our Archbishop and the efforts of pastoral leaders, many young people are entering Religious Life and the Archdiocesan Seminary,” he said.

Although he acknowledged that “the harvest is great and the laborers are few,” the Catholic official said there are “strong signs of hope.”

“The Church’s mission is to continue nurturing, cultivating, and supporting these vocations with love, prayer, and proper formation,” he added.

Fr. Dala outlined the activities filling Missionary month in Luanda, which began on October 1 and will close on October 26.

Celebrations started on the feast of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, patroness of missions, with Masses and exhibitions about her life. 

There were also missionary processions, solidarity campaigns in hospitals and prisons, renewal ceremonies for members of the Missionary Childhood and Youth Missionary League, and catechesis broadcasts.

The month’s programming has been organized around weekly missionary themes aired on Radio Ecclesia, each offering spiritual and educational content for both youth and adults.

Fr. Dala encouraged young people not to be afraid to respond to God’s call.

“Being with Jesus is the best choice we can make. Don’t be afraid to answer His call. Approach your communities, talk to Priests, and learn about the different charisms. The Lord continues to call, but we must listen. Vocation is both a gift and a mission,” he said.

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The Priest emphasized that Missionary Month is not meant to end in October but to inspire ongoing commitment.

“October is just the starting point. We want mission and vocation to be lived daily with faith, generosity, and dedication. May every young person say ‘yes’ to the Lord with courage and joy,” he told ACI Africa.

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