Second Catholic Bishop of Mbanza Congo Diocese in Angola Eulogized as “model of prayer, simplicity”

Speaking to Rádio Ecclesia on January 2, Bishop António Lungieki Pedro Bengui, one of the Auxiliary Bishops of Luanda Catholic Archdiocese, said the Angolan Metropolitan See received the news of Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo’s death with sorrow, but also with Christian hope.

Bishop Lungieki recalled the late colleague’s spiritual life, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and unwavering commitment to Franciscan spirituality, and added, “We woke up to this sad news, but also with hope, as we are taught in Christian life.”

“Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo was my Auxiliary Bishop when I was still in formation here in the Archdiocese of Luanda. He was truly a confrere in spirituality and Franciscan life,” he said.

Bishop Lungieki described the late Bishop as a “constant pastoral presence whose quiet manner spoke volumes.”

He recalled frequent encounters with Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo at the Capuchin community of Our Lady of Fátima, where the late Bishop resided.

“His silence spoke deeply. His dedication was evident in community life, in parish ministry, and in his fidelity to the Liturgy of the Hours and devotion to the Virgin Mary. These were daily lessons for all of us,” he recalled. 

Bishop Lungieki also shared memories of visiting Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo in the hospital in Windhoek shortly before the annual Archdiocesan retreat. “He had difficulty eating, but his serenity and faith were remarkable. As brothers in the episcopate and in Religious Life, we will continue to pray for him and honour his legacy as a devoted pastor,” he said about the late Bishop.

Holy Mass in memory of the late Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo took place at Our Lady of Fátima Parish of Luanda Archdiocese on January 2.

In an interview with ACI Africa shortly after the Mass, the spokesperson of the Capuchins in the Province of Angola, Friar Alberto de Morais, described the late Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo as a foundational figure in the history of the Capuchins in the Southern African nation. 

“He belonged to a group of outstanding friars who were references and models of the first generation of Capuchins in Angola, dating back to the arrival of the order in 1945,” Friar Morais said.

He added, “For us, Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo was a patriarch, a living library. People pass away, but their deeds remain written in history.”

Friar Morais highlighted the late Bishop’s leadership during the difficult transition period surrounding Angola’s independence, when many seminarians and religious left ecclesial life to serve the newly independent nation.

“His role, together with other friars, was to strike a balance between service to the nation and fidelity to the religious vocation,” he explained.

Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo held nearly every major responsibility within the Capuchin Order in Angola, including being the first vice-provincial minister in 1988. Even after resigning from Episcopal governance, he chose to return to the order, placing himself at the service of formation houses in Huambo, Luanda, Lubango, and Camabatela, whenever his health allowed.

“He did this with joy, not as an obligation, but as a mission,” Friar Morais said.

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He added, “The death of Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo makes us reflect on the value of faith, self-giving, and service. He departed in peace, prepared for eternal life, leaving us an example of dedication and commitment to the Church and to society.”

According to Friar Morais, funeral arrangements depend on the transfer of the Bishop’s remains from Namibia to Angola. 

In the meantime, Masses for the repose of his soul are being celebrated daily.

Family members also shared moving testimonies. Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo’s younger brother, José Carvalho dos Santos, told ACI Africa that the Bishop had struggled with diabetes and was later diagnosed with cancer.

“He began with diabetes problems, was treated in Angola, and in recent months was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent several procedures, including the amputation of a finger and treatments in Namibia,”  he said.

He added, “Despite the illness, he never lost his faith or dedication to the Church.”

José Carvalho further explained, “He was hospitalized and had complications, but he accepted treatment in Namibia. The situation worsened until his death. He was always a man of prayer, simplicity, and deep commitment to the faith.”

Relatives, religious sisters, and lay faithful alike described the late Bishop as a spiritual father, counselor, and shepherd whose legacy of prayer, humility, and service will continue to guide the Church in Angola for generations to come.

Carlos Torres, a cousin of the late Bishop, stated that “the family received the news with great sadness. Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo always dedicated his life to the Church and was a figure of consensus, advising everyone for the good. He prepared himself for eternal life and always guided us to follow the religious path.”

Maria Andrade Torres Vasco, the Bishop’s niece, added, “For our family, he was a good shepherd, teaching us to walk with Jesus. His departure leaves a great void and a legacy of faith and dedication.”

For Domingos da Silva, the Bishop Emeritus of Mbanza Congo was a counselor, almost a father figure. 

“He was always present, advising, supporting, and uniting everyone. His death is an irreparable loss, but his example of religious and family life remains with us,” he said.

On her part, Sr. Albertina Bota of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona (ISM), said, “Bishop Shyngo-Ya-Hombo was an exemplary religious and pastor, always available to welcome and guide. His legacy is one of deep prayer, charity, simplicity, and humility. We will miss him, but his example remains for all of us.”

She added, “I am here in this process of the funeral rites, working. When God visits us, we need to organize the house a bit to welcome the brothers and sisters who come to walk with us. In this case, we are doing our part, helping to organize the environment, so that the brothers and sisters who pass through here in the encounter of fraternity may find a welcoming space.