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Catholic Bishop in Angola Celebrates Fathers Embracing Responsibilities amid Difficult Times

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the Catholic Diocese of Caxito in Angola
João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

Caxito, 21 March, 2025 / 8:35 pm (ACI Africa).

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the Catholic Diocese of Caxito in Angola has lauded fathers who persevere through hardships to nurture loving and well-cared for families.

In his homily on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Camuto reflected on the role of fathers in the family and society. 

He said that social and economic challenges have made it difficult for many fathers to fulfill their role.

Amid the hardships, some fathers stand out, the Bishop noted, and said, “We honor those courageous fathers who, amid so many difficulties, suffering, and sacrifices, nights without sleep, remain dedicated to their families and children, ensuring their livelihood, protection, and care during times of illness,” he said. 

Bishop Camuto emphasized that the well-being of society depends on responsible fathers, saying, “If they are good fathers, educators, attentive fathers, loving fathers who pass on love to their children, society will benefit.”

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“From these families, from these fathers, will emerge future generations. If they are not good fathers, their children will also struggle to be good, and society will suffer as a result,” Bishop Camuto said in his homily at the chapel of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) in Luanda.

The Bishop called on fathers to embrace their responsibilities, emphasizing that fatherhood is not just about bringing a child into the world, but about nurturing and protecting them with love and dedication.

“Being a father is not just bringing a child into the world, and being a mother is not just bringing a child into the world either, but having the ability and sufficient love to care for them, feed them, nurture them—in short, all those essential aspects for the protection and healthy growth of life. Therefore, this is the mission of a father,” the Angola Catholic Bishop said Wednesday, March 19.

 “Many fathers struggle today due to various difficulties in our society,” the 61-year-old Catholic Bishop explained. 

He continued, “Some cannot find employment, and even those who do often receive low wages, unfair wages, or delayed wages that barely last beyond the next day. These hardships prevent many from fully embracing their mission as fathers.”

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The Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp./Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) also lamented that some men neglect their responsibilities due to a lack of personal conviction or proper upbringing. 

“With great sadness and pain, we witness this reality. Some do not take on the responsibility of fatherhood because their conscience does not guide them, their education has not prepared them, and they are unable to embrace the mission of being a father and a family man,” Bishop Camuto said.

He prayed for those he described as “courageous fathers”, as well as those he said commit themselves to their families. 

João Vissesse

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate. 

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