At 90th Birthday Celebration, Catholic Archbishop in Angola Advocates for Peaceful Coexistence, “we must be peacemakers”

In Angola, Archbishop Kamwenho is recognized for his role in the Inter-Ecclesial Committee for Peace in Angola (COIEPA), where he played a pivotal role in peacebuilding efforts during the country’s civil war.

In 2001, he was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought for his contributions to peace in Angola. 

Reflecting on this award, the Archbishop said, “The prize is not mine but belongs to the Angolan people. I didn’t apply for it, but God has used my life to sow hope and build peace.”

Ordained a Priest in 1961, Archbishop Kamwenho was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda in 1974. He was later appointed Bishop of Sumbe Diocese in 1975 and Archbishop of Lubango in 1997, where he served as Local Ordinary until September 2009, when he retired. 

In his address during the September 15 celebration, Archbishop Kamwenho reflected on his legacy, saying, “If someone asked me what I have done, I would say I tried. I tried to train our Catechists, to help the youth find ways to educate and form themselves.”

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He emphasized the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, noting that “every day, we must seek to rise – closer to God, to our superiors, to the people, and to our colleagues.”

In his homily during the September 15 Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Estanislau Marques Chindekasse of Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Dundo highlighted the Archbishop emeritus’ contributions to the Church’s liturgical practices in the Southern African nation.  

“Archbishop Kamwenho was a distinguished professor of liturgy and played a key role in the inculturation of the liturgy after Vatican II,” said Bishop Chindekasse. 

He noted that the Archbishop’s “influence is seen in the first Angolan missal and numerous hymns that enrich the Church's liturgy.”

Bishop Chindekasse recognized with appreciation Archbishop Kamwenho’s ability to integrate local culture into the Church's traditions.  

“Archbishop Kamwenho worked to synthesize liturgical tradition and popular culture, always with a deep respect for both,” he said.

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