Benguela, 23 October, 2023 / 9:05 pm (ACI Africa).
On the occasion of World Mission Sunday marked on October 22, the Catholic Bishop of Benguela Diocese in Angola has appealed for solidarity with Christians who suffer persecution around the world.
In his October 22 homily during Holy Mass with members of the Pontifical Mission Society (PMS) in his Episcopal See, Bishop António Francisco Jaca said, “There are countries where it is forbidden to be a Christian, where Christians are persecuted, where being a Christian can be a death sentence even today.”
“There are countries where you can't speak openly about Jesus, you can't wear a cross on your chest - persecution against the Church of God,” Bishop Jaca said during the Eucharistic celebration at St. Martin Lima Parish of Benguela Diocese.
The Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) appealed for compassion and care for the Christians in challenging situations, saying, “We need to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters who suffer persecution in the world.”
“This celebration is an opportunity for us to pray for Christian persecution,” the Local Ordinary of Benguela Diocese since June 2018, after being transferred from Caxito Diocese, said.
