Newly Ordained Catholic Priests in Angola, Mozambique Urged to Live with Humility, Integrity, Commitment to Service

“More than rites and liturgies, the priest must be an active agent in transforming the difficult realities faced by our communities,” he said. 

Addressing the Priest-elect, he said, “This ‘yes’ that you will pronounce before the altar opens the door to a path of total self-giving. It is the moment when you accept to be the face of God’s mercy among the people—not as a superior, but as a servant.”

The Mozambican Catholic Bishop, who was appointed Auxiliary Bishop for Maputo in March 2023 underscored the need for Priests to be “the voice of the voiceless” and “a presence for the forgotten,” calling the Priesthood “a mission of integral service that goes beyond the altar and the sacraments.” 

He also underscored the importance of integrity, saying, “It is not enough to preach the Word; one must live what one preaches—be a witness to the Gospel through concrete actions.”

Bishop Muananoua also called for commitment to social issues, family life, and youth formation.

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“Mozambican youth face many challenges, and the Priest must stand by them, guiding them in Christian values that promote peace and development,” he said, urging the Priest-elect to strengthen families as “true sanctuaries of love and respect.”

Meanwhile, in the Catholic Diocese of Namibe in Angola, Bishop Dionísio Hisilenapo urged Deacons he ordained Priests to live their ministry with “responsibility, discipline, and integrity.” 

Addressing Deacons Alberto Manuel, José Francisco, António Simão, Domingos Caetano, and Luís Bernardo, during the October 18 Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Hisilenapo warned against hypocrisy, saying, “A man of God must have one face—live in truth and not behind masks.”

“The Church does not need lukewarm, weak, or double-faced men, but whole men, committed to the mission, even when it is demanding and difficult,” Bishop Hisilenapo said. 

He cautioned that “many enter ministry with hidden motives,” urging honesty and readiness for sacrifice.

The Catholic Church leader faulted indiscipline and laziness among some Clergy, noting that “some communities disappear because the priest does nothing—not even maintaining what he found.”

He urged the Priests-elect to be creative and hardworking, especially in poor parishes where resources are scarce.

Bishop Hisilenapo also lamented Priests’ reluctance to serve in rural areas, saying, “The village is the most beautiful thing there is, but no one wants to go there—they only go when there is a feast or drink.” 

He urged greater missionary presence among marginalized and remote communities.

He described Priesthood as “a commitment to social transformation, to welcoming the marginalized, and to promoting human dignity in all its forms.” 

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The 57-year-old Catholic Bishop called on Priests-elect to be “bridge-builders” promoting unity and dialogue in a country facing economic and social challenges.

“The people need leaders who are living examples of the Gospel—who not only preach but live out charity, justice, and solidarity,” Bishop Hisilenapo said, adding that Priests must serve as “beacons of hope, especially in times of hardship and crisis.”

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