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National Solidarity Week in Angola: Caritas Reaching Out to “people in need”

Members of Caritas Angola. Credit: Radio Maria Angola
João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

Viana, 27 February, 2024 / 3:14 pm (ACI Africa).

Caritas Angola, the development and humanitarian arm of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST), has launched the 2024 National Solidarity Week with calls on the people of God in the Southern African nation to support the needy in their midst. 

Organized under the theme, “There is an Art of Giving and an Art of Receiving”, the National Solidarity Week that kicked off on February 25 in all Catholic Diocese in CEAST region is set to conclude on March 3.

Speaking at the launch of solidarity week on February 25 in Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Viana, the Director of Caritas Angola highlighted some of the planned activities, including Eucharistic celebrations in solidarity with those in need, sharing of gifts, hot soups, and visits to the sick.

“It's not just about giving, but you also have to know how to listen and visit, share and teach, all of which has a little to do with our works of mercy,” Sr. Rosa Lydia Gonzalez da Costa said.

Sr. Lidia appealed to the people of God in Angola to reach out to the needy during this Lenten Season, saying, “Let's take advantage of the fact that we are in Lent to share and be in solidarity.”

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The Mexican-born member of the Sisters Hospitaller of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (HSC) further said, “The intimate nature of the Church is charity, which is why the Church mobilized this week with a view to alleviating some of the needs of the needy.”

“The Solidarity Week aims to make poor and marginalized citizens experience different moments from a social point of view,” she said, adding that the success of the CEAST initiative CEAST “depends on everyone's commitment.”

The Catholic Nun continued, “With this, we want to generate a global awareness of solidarity, of closeness, of overcoming indifference, a global awareness for change in the way we are.”

“We therefore want to be a Church with open doors; we must leave behind the culture of indifference,” the HSC member further said.

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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