Africa-Press – Angola. The Secretary of the President of the Republic for the Social Area, Maria de Fátima Viegas, was, by order of Pope Francis, decorated yesterday, in Luanda, with the pontifical medal of “Dame of the Order of São Silvestre Papa”, in recognition of her work provided for the benefit of the Catholic Church and the Angolan State.
The premises of the Apostolic Nunciature, in the center of the city of Luanda, were the place chosen for the representative of Pope Francis in Angola, Geovanni Gaspari, to deliver the aforementioned medal, in a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of State for Social Area, Dalva Ringote.
The apostolic nuncio informed that the communication for the decoration of Fátima Viegas, coming from the Vatican Secretariat of State, was on 28 July, precisely on the date on which Fátima Viegas and her husband, Ambassador António de Lima Viegas, complete their 50th anniversary wedding anniversary.
“As this is a pontifical decoration, it will be published in the official gazette of the State of the Vatican City”, underlined Geovanni Gaspari, stressing that the Pontifical Order of Saint Sylvester Pope originates from the ancient orders of knighthood granted in honor, symbolizing , above all, recognition for the courage shown in promoting peace and justice and the talent shown in the most diverse fields, namely literature, arts, science and other sectors at the service of the gospel and the common good.
Dom Filomeno
The Archbishop of Luanda, Dom Filomeno Vieira Dias, considered that the decoration awarded to Fátima Viegas reflects public recognition, personal commitment, competence, study and dedication to the various dossiers between the Holy See, the Angolan State and the Catholic Church in the country.
“This recognition, which comes from afar, honors not only you, but the Nation and the Church”, indicated the Catholic prelate, who praised the sociologist and researcher.
Speaking to journalists, Fátima Viegas said it was “a great honor and singular privilege” to receive the distinction by order of Pope Francis. “Throughout my professional life I have committed myself only with the spirit of serving the community and the brothers”, she said, adding that “I did it with a spirit of mission as a citizen and Catholic Christian”.
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