Ahead of Angola’s National Reconciliation Congress, Catholic Archbishop Calls for “divine enlightenment”

Organized by CEAST through its Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation, the congress was originally slated for October 29–31. It was postponed to November 6–9 at the request of President João Lourenço, who expressed his desire to participate.

In his November 3 homily, Archbishop Kamwenho interpreted the postponement as a sign of the event’s seriousness, requiring calm and thoughtful preparation.

He urged Angolans not only to seek forgiveness but to commit themselves to “healing the wounds of the past” and building a more just and fraternal society. 

“The future will not be better if we do not engage in introspection and dedicate ourselves to peace,” Archbishop Kamwenho said.

True reconciliation, he said, “does not happen without sacrifice,” and each citizen must ask what they are willing to give for the country’s future.

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Reflecting on Angola’s celebration of 50 years of independence, Archbishop Kamwenho insisted that beyond political sovereignty, the nation still needs “inner liberation” — a society anchored in peace, fraternity, and human dignity.

The congress is part of festivities marking Angola’s Golden Jubilee, to be celebrated on November 11, commemorating the independence proclaimed in Luanda in 1975.

Meanwhile, during All Souls Day Solemnity on November 2, Archbishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda honored those who died fighting for sovereignty. 

He reminded Angolans during the Eucharistic celebration at Alto das Cruzes Cemetery never to forget the sacrifice that secured their freedom.

“As Christians and citizens, we must face our personal and national history honestly. Only then can we honor the memory of those who died for our liberty,” the Angolan Catholic Archbishop said.