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“Teach children the spiritual way of the Church”: Catholic Archbishop at Annual Marian Pilgrimage in Angola

João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

Malanje, 22 August, 2024 / 11:25 am (ACI Africa).

Archbishop Luzizila Kiala of the Catholic Archdiocese of Malanje in Angola has underscored the importance of supporting and guiding children in the ways of the Church.

In his homily during the conclusion of the annual Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Victories in Massangano in Mozambique’s Catholic Diocese of Ndalatando, Archbishop Kiala condemned sexual abuse of minors, child abduction, and trafficking, and called for “active involvement in the protection and development of children.”

“Children should not be viewed as passive members of society but as individuals with rights and potentials,” the Angola Catholic Archbishop said during the August 18 Eucharistic celebration.

He emphasized the need for “guidance to foster honest and sensible adults in the future,” and imploring the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, said, “With our Lady of Victory, let us teach children the spiritual way of the Church.”

The Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in August 2013 as Bishop of Angola’s Sumbe Catholic Diocese said, “Guiding children in the faith and Christian principles is crucial for building a more just society and honest individuals.”

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The Local Ordinary of Malanje, who doubles as the Chairman of the National Commission for the Liturgy of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) called upon parents and guardians to “show children the right path from an early age and direct them towards God.”

“Parents should not limit themselves to merely bringing children into the world; they must also guide them through all aspects of life until adulthood,” Archbishop Kiala said, and added, “The presence of parents is fundamental in the education and insertion of children in society and in the family environment.”

He observed that children are often the first victims of family breakdowns and societal failures, as they rely entirely on parental care and adult support.

“Children suffer from fear, abuse driven by family conflicts, fear of losing their parents, and fear of disruptions to the harmony and stability in the family,” the Archbishop of Malanje said at the conclusion of the August 16-18 pilgrimage.

He said caring for children is not “solely the state's responsibility but also the society’s, particularly those who contributed to their birth.”

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“It is necessary to create a safe environment to prevent violations of children’s rights through social mobilization,” Archbishop Kiala said.

The Catholic Church leader encouraged parents and guardians to “avoid practices that undermine family well-being, social cohesion, and love for others.”

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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