“An experience of solidarity”: Catholic Youth Director in Angola on Planned Celebration of Christ the King Solemnity

“We want young people to feel called to serve, to live the true Christian mission, which is love for others. Thus, there will be moments of prayer but also concrete action, such as hospital visits and support for those in need,” Fr. Sangueve said.

He continued, “This moment of celebration will, as always, be an opportunity for young people to strengthen their faith and mission, renewing their commitment to Christ the King.” 

The Catholic youth official in Angola went on to highlight preparations for the November 24 celebrations that he said will be preceded by a three-day prayer vigil in Parishes of Luanda Archdiocese. 

The first day will focus on Eucharistic Adoration with a reflection on “Youth and Prayer”, Fr. Sangueve said, adding that the second day will have participants reflect on “Youth and Vocation” while praying the Holy Rosary.

Meanwhile, the third day will involve a social action walk and visits to city hospitals, where young people will bring comfort and prayer to the sick, the Angolan Catholic Priest told ACI Africa. 

“On November 24, the grand celebration at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Major Seminary of Luanda will gather thousands of young people, Priests, women and men Religious, and the Laity,” Fr. Sangueve said.

In the November 14 interview with ACI Africa, the MSFS Priest reflected on youth ministry challenges in Angola.

“We are dealing with a social scenario full of challenges – unemployment, lack of opportunities, and daily frustrations. Many young people are drawn to the promises of religious sects offering quick fixes and instant miracles,” he said.

The 39-year-old Catholic Priest described his native country as “a society where people seek immediate answers” and that “sects unfortunately have a significant impact.”

Referring to religious sects in African, he explained, “The culture of immediacy forms the foundation of their appeal. It is a major challenge for Youth Ministry because many young people are tempted to believe in quick and easy solutions.”

Against the background of the potential influence of religious sects on young people, Fr. Sangueve said that youth ministry in the country “aims to offer young people something fundamentally different: a proposal for life rooted in faith, patience, and the building of a solid Christian identity.”

“Youth spirituality must be based on following Jesus Christ, who calls us to live a dignified life, far from empty promises. Our mission is to help young people understand that nothing is achieved without hard work, prayer, and perseverance,” the Director of Youth Ministry Luanda Archdiocese told ACI Africa. 

He emphasized the need to strengthen the formation of Catholic youths, and added, “As Youth Ministry agents, we are called to help young people discover the beauty of their lives, to understand that they are a gift from God to society.”

“The greatest challenge is to dispel the myth that everything can be achieved instantly. True transformation and prosperity come from faithfulness to God’s plan,” the Catholic Priest said.

He continued, “Our youths must not be deceived by false promises. There is no resurrection without death and no triumph without struggle. Our lives are not senseless battlegrounds but paths where struggles are necessary for our growth and the creation of a more just and fraternal society.”

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Fr. Sangueve appealed to Catholic youths to not give up amid challenging situations. “Do not let interests contrary to the Gospel tarnish the purity of the mission entrusted to you by the Lord,” he said. 

“There is no restoration without death, nor triumph without battles. The path may be hard, but with prayer on our lips, faith in our minds, and charity in our souls, we will achieve our goals,” he further said, and continued, “The best is yet to come, and we are called to be brothers of Jesus, who teaches us to fight without losing heart.”

For the Catholic youth official in Angola, “It is crucial for young people to understand that true prosperity is not found in seeking material wealth but in being faithful to Christ and building a virtuous life.”

“We are called to help young people realize that they are the driving force of society, family, and the Church. Young people must point the way to solutions for the world,” Fr. Sangueve said during the November 14 interview with ACI Africa.