Luanda, 19 July, 2025 / 6:45 pm (ACI Africa).
Bishop Estanislau Marques Chindekasse of the Catholic Diocese of Dundo in Angola has called for a renewed focus on evangelization rooted in solidarity with the poor and marginalized as the Southern African nation prepares to mark 50 years of independence in November.
In his homily during the opening Mass of the Permanent Council of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST), Bishop Chindekasse urged Catholics to remain committed to defending those ignored by “the powerful” in the Angolan society.
“We are in a year where we celebrate the millennium of hope and 50 years of independence. This must be our guiding principle—hope,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said during the Wednesday, July 16 Eucharistic celebration that was held at the CEAST Chapel in Luanda.
He underscored the importance of placing the poor and marginalized at the heart of the Church’s mission, saying, “Those who have no place at the table of the powerful must be our concern. We all aspire to a prosperous and inclusive Angola. This reality challenges the Church and its pastors.”
The Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) noted that although Angola is largely Christian, Gospel values often remain absent from social and political practices.
