Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Luanda (Agenzia Fides) - "Let us pray for Mozambique caught in a spiral of violence that is not the remedy for our fractured world. Violence breeds more violence, causing suffering, anguish, and forced migration," Fr. Celestino Epalanga said during the January 3 Eucharistic celebration that was held at Our Lady of Fatima Parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda.
In his homily during the “Vigil for Peace” that concluded the three-day spiritual initiative, the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) highlighted the far-reaching consequences of violence in Mozambique and across the globe.
The Triduum Prayer initiative of the members of the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) for the people of God in Mozambique amid post-election violent conflicts has concluded with a call to end violence in the Southern African nation (see Fides, 7/1/2025).
" Responding to violence with violence leads to displacement, as seen with Mozambican refugees seeking safety in neighboring countries".
Fr. Epalanga invited Angolans to reflect on the plight of Mozambique’s most vulnerable, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. "Jesus lived in violent times and taught that the true battlefield is the human heart, from which evil and peace arise. The response Jesus offers is radical and positive. He preached God’s unconditional love and followed the path of non-violence to the cross, bringing peace and destroying hostility," the Jesuit further stated. "Peace is God’s dream for humanity. Non-violence is a choice worth making and that it not a sign of weakness or passivity. It is a powerful tool to build peace and dismantle hatred. Non-violence, when practiced consistently, has achieved remarkable outcomes."
"Prayer is powerful. The Church is committed to non-violent strategies for peace in many nations. This mission belongs not only to the Catholic Church but to all faith traditions that value compassion and non-violence," Fr. Celestino concluded, highlighting the value of prayer in seeking peace in Mozambique.
Participants at the event in Luanda brought candles, lighting them from the altar’s flame as a symbolic offering of peace. The candles were placed in the church courtyard, where an improvised outdoor altar was prepared for the vigil’s Eucharistic celebration.
The three-day spiritual initiative, that CCJP of CEAST organized, were held in all Catholic parishes in Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, was part of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis officially launched on Christmas Eve by opening the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 9/1/2025)
