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Mozambique’s Catholic Diocese of Quelimane Adjusts Youth Pastoral Year Opening Program as Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc

Credit: CEM
João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

Maputo, 20 January, 2026 / 3:46 pm (ACI Africa).

The Catholic Diocese of Quelimane in Mozambique has announced a change of venue for the opening of its Youth Pastoral Year due to severe road damage caused by heavy rains affecting the country’s central region.

In a statement issued on Sunday, January 18, the Coordinators for the Diocesan Secretariat for Pastoral Coordination and the Diocesan Youth Pastoral Commission (CDPJ) explained that the rainfall had severely damaged the road leading to the Parish of Our Lady Mediatrix of All Graces in Mopeia, the location initially chosen for the event.

“The deterioration of the road made it unsafe for pilgrims,” the coordinators said. 

After consultations, the organizers concluded that it was “inappropriate to maintain the original location.”

The opening of the Youth Pastoral Year will proceed on the originally scheduled dates, January 23–25, but will now be held at the Saint John de Brito Parish in Nicoadala, the organizers confirmed.

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The official statement, signed by general coordinator Francisco Mateus Pinto and spiritual director Fr. Arquimedes Jaime Camisa, expressed apologies for the inconvenience and called for understanding and cooperation to ensure the event proceeds smoothly.

The Diocese had expected to welcome numerous young people and parish community members to mark the beginning of the youth pastoral activities for the year.

The decision comes amid exceptionally heavy rains in Mozambique, with central and northern regions experiencing persistent precipitation since December 2025. 

Flooding, road erosion, and infrastructure damage have disrupted travel, particularly in Zambézia Province, where Quelimane is located.

According to local authorities and humanitarian agencies, over 170,000 people have been affected by the floods and heavy rains, with dozens of deaths linked to landslides and flooding, and thousands of homes damaged or destroyed. 

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Authorities from the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM) had issued repeated warnings of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, urging caution in travel, especially on saturated or low-lying roads.

Secondary roads and connections between Mopeia, Nicoadala, and Makaumba were especially affected, with sections collapsing or becoming impassable. The Diocese cited these conditions as the reason for prioritizing the safety of pilgrims and young participants.

Despite the change of venue, the Diocese emphasized that the schedule and pastoral purpose of the event remain unchanged, focusing on providing young people with a safe and meaningful experience of faith and community.

João Vissesse

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

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