In the Catholic Archdiocese of Lubango, Bishop Belmiro Cuica Chissengueti of Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Cabinda underscored the need for training programs to ensure that the Church of tomorrow reflects the values instilled in today’s youth.
“It is necessary for assistance to youth groups and apostolic movements to be increasingly incisive, constant, and of high quality,” Bishop Chissengueti said.
He explained that the success of this formation will be measured by the young people’s impact on society.
“The quality of the youth we form will be evident in the politicians they become, the entrepreneurs they will be, and the associative leaders they will transform into,” he said.
Reflecting on the Church's evangelization efforts, the Angolan-born member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans/Holy Ghost Fathers/CSSp.) posed, “After so many years of evangelization, have we truly done our work? Perhaps yes, perhaps no.”
Stressing the importance of catechesis, he added, “We need to make more effort because the foundation of all understanding of the Gospel lies in catechesis. It must be the priority of every parish because no one can love what they do not know.”
Making reference to Pope Francis, Bishop Chissengueti urged the Church to focus on the ongoing formation of young people.
“Returning the leadership of evangelization to the youth requires the Church’s commitment to continuous formation,” he said.
He emphasized that this responsibility is shared by all Clergy and religious institutions, saying, “This is a concern that the bishops have expressed and continue to express. It must involve all priests, all religious communities, and all our formation houses so we can multiply evangelizers and extend the quality of our presence.”
In the Catholic Diocese of Dundo, Bishop Estanislau Marques Chindekasse presented Christ as the ultimate model of leadership, saying, “Christ the King fulfills the fullness of mercy and inclusion.”
