“Consecration to God requires humility”: Catholic Bishop in Angola to Women Religious at First Profession, Jubilee

“While the first profession may seem simple, it is no less important. This ‘yes’ to God marks the beginning of a journey that must be traveled with joy, trust, and commitment,” Bishop Jaca said.

He went on to encourage the newly professed to follow in the footsteps of the Patron Saint of their Congression, St. Francis of Assisi, embodying his virtues of simplicity, humility, and profound love for Christ.

“You are called to live your vows with intensity, as witnesses of Christ crucified, configuring your lives to His, and dedicating yourselves to the service of God and His people,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop said.

Turning his attention to Sr. Elsa Filipa Mardoso and Sr. Madalena Nassova Banje, who were celebrating their 25 years of Consecrated Life, Bishop Jaca thanked them for their “enduring faithfulness”, saying, “Your jubilee is a moment to thank God for your faithfulness over the years. A vocation is a gift from God, a grace that must be received with gratitude and responsibility.”

“This jubilee is also an opportunity to say ‘yes’ once again to Christ’s call, to begin anew with fresh zeal and a heart full of joy,” the Local Ordinary of Benguela Diocese, who doubles as President of the Episcopal Commission for Culture and Social Communications of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) said. 

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In the face of challenges that those in Religious Life encounter in living the Evangelica Councils in that undermines them the Angolan member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) urged the Consecrated to remain “strong and unwavering” in their dedication to Christ and the community. 

“Consecrated life is a path to happiness, but it is also a life of sacrifice and commitment. You must continue to live this commitment intensely, showing that it is possible to fully embrace consecration and find joy in it,” Bishop Jaca said.

He called upon the Consecrated to “continue being witnesses of Christ, configured to Him in every aspect of your lives, and to let your lives reflect the Gospel message of love, mercy, and service.”

“Your ‘yes’ to God must be renewed each day, and we, as a Church, must accompany you in this journey of faith,” The Catholic Church leader said. 

“The Church and the community must give thanks for the gift of Consecrated Life. The life of a Consecrated person is a gift to the Church and the world, a witness to the love of Christ and His mission of salvation,” Bishop Jaca said during the October 5 event.