Africa-Press – Angola. The Catholic Church will continue to walk alongside Angolans in the pursuit of justice, reconciliation and integral human development, the Secretary-General of the Episcopal Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (CEAST), Celestino Epalanga, said Thursday in Luanda.
Speaking on the sidelines of the National Congress of Reconciliation, held on the occasion of the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence on November 11, the Priest stated that the mission of the church in Angola has always been the salvation of souls, understood as the integral development of the human being.
“Throughout these 50 years, the church has sought to work for reconciliation, justice and peace, also promoting education, health and support for the most vulnerable, refugees, migrants and street children,” he stressed.
The Priest highlighted that even during the war, the Catholic Church never abandoned its conciliatory role, seeking to bring estranged brothers closer together and promote social peace.
He acknowledged that many challenges still exist, namely the fight against illiteracy, poverty, underdevelopment, and the lack of basic services such as education and health.
“The Church feels called upon to respond to these difficulties, caring above all for those most in need. But there is also spiritual and cultural poverty, which demands an active and transformative presence,” he added.
The episcopal vicar assured that the Church will remain firm in its mission, walking “alongside all men and women, in joy, in sorrow and in dreams.”
He said that the National Congress of Reconciliation, organized by CEAST, aims to reflect on the 50 years of independence, evaluate the nation’s journey and lay the foundations for a future of true reconciliation and social justice.
Celestino Epalanga stressed that the ecumenical thanksgiving service, to be held next Saturday, will bring together Christians of different denominations to join forces for peace in Angola.
“It will be a moment to thank God for 50 years of blessings and to ask that He continue to bless Angola,” he said, recalling the words of Pope Francis, exhorting reconciliation with God, with our brothers and sisters and with creation.
The priest emphasized that the congress welcomes all sensitivities of Angolan society—religious, political, academic, and civil—in a demonstration of unity and commitment to the country’s future.
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