At National Youth Assembly in Angola, Catholic Archbishop Urges Courage, Hope in Witnessing Christ

“Hope is not about waiting while sitting still. It is about setting out on the path, like a pilgrim, trusting that God leads and sustains. You are not lost youths; you are pilgrims of hope!” Archbishop Kiala said during Holy Mass for the opening of the July 25-27 event that his Metropolitan See was hosting.

He continued, “Christian youths must bear witness to hope through concrete action—solidarity, sharing, and service to others. True hope is not kept in one’s pocket or locked behind four walls. It is expressed through concrete acts: visiting, listening, comforting, praying, and standing with those who suffer. Hope becomes visible in service.”

The Catholic Church leader called for public and courageous witness to the faith in every setting where young people live. He said, “It is impossible to encounter Christ and not proclaim Him to others. The world needs God. Our families, schools, and communities need your witness. If you have found Christ, do not keep Him to yourselves. Proclaim Him!”

“Young Christian, be light in the darkness. Do not remain silent. Do not be a mute dog. Believe, and therefore speak. Put your faith into action. Be truly a pilgrim of hope. And remember: there is more joy in giving than in receiving. It is worth giving your life in this way—by serving,” the Local Ordinary of Malanje since his installation in November 2021 said.

The Catholic Church leader, who also serves as Chair of the National Commission for the Liturgy of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) reflected on the event's theme, “Pilgrims of Hope to Serve”, noting that “there is no true hope without commitment to others. Christian hope is missionary.”

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Christian hope, he went on to say, “is not an escape—it is sending forth. Catholic youths must get moving, like Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

He warned of the temptations of individualism and spiritual vanity, which often infiltrate even into church environments.

“Unfortunately, even within the Church, there are those who fight for positions and power, not to serve. That is worldliness, not Christianity! The Christian youth fights to serve, not to dominate,” Archbishop Kiala said.

The 62-year-old Catholic Archbishop noted that “the Christian vocation—whether to marriage, Priesthood, or Consecrated Life—only finds meaning when lived as a gift and an offering.”

He cautioned, “There is no other reason to marry, to be a Priest, or to be Consecrated, except to serve and give one’s life. Anything else is spiritual theater.”

“Do not be young people of easy words and empty deeds. Faith without works is dead! We need young people with faith in their hands and feet—who believe, and therefore speak, act, and serve,” he said.

Archbishop Kiala encouraged active participation in Parishes, youth movements, and sacramental life, affirming that “Sunday Eucharist, regular Confession, and personal prayer are the pillars that sustain young people in faith and mission.”

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