Africa-Press – Angola. Canon Apolónio Graciano on Wednesday (24) deemed the former Vice President of the Republic, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, a true “Servant of the Nation”, who aligned himself with the Christian principle of serving others instead of serving himself.
The prelate, who was speaking at the Seventh Day High Mass in the ambit of the passing of the former Vice President, emphasised that the deceased was a committed believer who focused his life on pleasing God.
The Catholic prelate reminded what others said about the late politician, such as “he was a man of goodness, concilator, of dialogue, caring, reserved in words, but rich in gesture and attitudes”.
During the homily, Canon Apolónio Graciano exhorted the children of the late politician to honour the memory of their father and preserve the values that he exhibited.
The priest also highlighted the importance of unity, mutual respect and family cohesion.
The prelate also commended the widow, having stressed her fundamental role in educating and taking care of the family.
Public figure, family man
Meanhile, the children of the former Vice-President of the Republic, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos “Nandó”, who was buried on Monday (22), thanked the Angolan Executive for its support in organisng the funeral ceremony, which was crucial and a fitting tribute to a man who served the country until the end of his life.
In the tribute, his children described Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos as a present father, an educator, a man of firm character, but profoundly human, who made his word a commitment.
They recalled his unconditional love for his family, his ability to listen, advise and unite, as well as the attention he dedicated to his grandchildren, to whom he transmitted values, stories and affection.
According to the family, politics was never, for Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, a space for vanity, but for service, dedication and defence of principles, values and human dignity.
They also highlighted the honoree’s journey through the various stages of Angola’s contemporary history, from national affirmation, through the period of conflict, to the peace achieved in 2002 and the country’s reconstruction phase.
The children emphasized his contribution to the consolidation of the State and to the search for political solutions through dialogue.
Because of his achievements, the family assured that the legacy left by Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, who died suddenly on the 18th, will remain alive in the values he transmitted, in the example of life he left, and in the commitment to remain united, honouring his memory and his mission for Angola.
Besides the presence of the relatives, the mass was also attended by the Vice President of the Republic, Esperança da Costa, the First Lady, Ana Dias Lourenço, former colleagues and MPs.
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