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Pursue Holiness, Strengthen Fraternal Bonds: Catholic Bishop to Consecrated, Cautions against “superficial fraternity”

National Jubilee of Consecrated Life in Angola

Bishop Emílio Sumbelelo of the Catholic Diocese of Viana in Angola has called upon women and men Religious in the Southern African nation to seek holiness in the example of the person of Jesus Christ. 

In his homily during the National Jubilee of Consecrated Life held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish of his Episcopal See, Bishop Sumbelelo reminded the over 800 women and men Religious drawn from Angola’s 20 Catholic Dioceses that Consecrated Life is a vocation and journey not only for personal sanctification but also for collective transformation.

“The vocation to holiness is personal, but it is lived primarily in community,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said on January 31.

He urged women and men Religious to deepen their commitment to Christ and to one another through fraternity.

“Fraternity is not superficial, but a lived experience that is reflected in daily acts of acceptance, understanding, and mutual support,” Bishop Sumbelelo said.

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He added, “The call is for everyone, in their communities, to strengthen the bonds of fraternity, living united, supporting one another, and sharing both the joys and the difficulties of the journey.”

“Fraternity is also reflected in living the faith. It is essential that, as members of a religious community, everyone follow the example of Christ and support one another to grow together in faith, hope, and charity,” the Catholic Church leader said.

Fraternity, he went on to say, “must be even stronger in times of difficulty when solidarity and mutual support become essential to overcome the challenges that arise. Fraternity is seen as a fundamental pillar, especially during tribulations, and the unity between brothers and sisters is crucial for perseverance in the Christian journey.”

Reflecting on the challenges of Consecrated Life, the Local Ordinary of Viana acknowledged the hardships that women and men Religious face. He reminded them that the peace found in a life centred on the person of Jesus Christ is unparalleled. 

“The life of a Consecrated person requires special responsibilities. You are called to be a tangible witness of faith and hope in the world, to live in union with God and with others, bringing light to the darkness,” Bishop Sumbelelo said.

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The Local Ordinary of Viana who also serves as President of the Episcopal Commission for Family and Life of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) cautioned the Consecrated in Angola against discouragement amid burdens. 

“Often, this burden involves challenges, trials, and personal or spiritual difficulties, but it is with God’s help that we can continue the journey. All burdens, fears, and concerns must be entrusted to Christ, who can alleviate and transform any suffering,” he said.

The Angolan Catholic Bishop continued, “You are united in your journey. You support and encourage each other through both joyful and difficult moments.”

Bishop Sumbelelo also addressed the issue of worldly temptations, warning that practices such as witchcraft and idolatry are incompatible with Consecrated Life. 

“These practices contradict the Christian faith and are a renunciation of the holiness to which you are called,” he said.

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“Amid the difficulties of consecrated life, it is essential to keep the flame of hope alive. The Consecrated are called to be bearers of hope, not only for themselves but for others, in their communities and in the world. They are called to live this hope actively, without letting difficulties overwhelm them, but always looking to the future with trust in God,” Bishop Sumbelelo said on January 31.

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