He emphasized the need to practice true love, saying, “Charity is a gauge of our Christian life. It’s through our service to others that we reveal the depth and authenticity of our faith.”
“It’s not enough to say we love God. Love must be lived; it must manifest in acts of kindness and solidarity. Every day, we have opportunities to show this love to those around us – in our families, at work, and in communities. We are called to be instruments of love and peace,” Bishop Jaca said.
The Local Ordinary of Benguela, who doubles as the President of the Episcopal Commission for Culture and Social Communications of the Bishops' Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) highlighted more acts of love in communities of believers.
“We must be a community that welcomes, that cares, that acts. Our commitment to faith must be evident in the care and love we have for one another,” he said.
Bishop Jaca, who has been at the helm of Benguela Diocese since June 2018 following his transfer from Angola’s Catholic Diocese of Caxito, where he had started his Episcopal Ministry in July 2007 linked the practice of love and forgiveness.
“To love is also to forgive. In a world that often seems divided and filled with resentment, we are called to be agents of reconciliation,” he said, and added, “Forgiveness is not weakness; it is a profound expression of love and faith; it is a decisive step toward healing relationships and building an environment of peace.”
The Angolan Catholic Bishop also linked love and peace, saying, “When we genuinely love, we do more than just express our care; we become bearers of peace and hope.”
“Every act of love, no matter how small, holds the potential to change lives. Like Saint Martin, who saw a brother in every person he encountered, let us also see the humanity in each person who crosses our path,” the SVD Bishop said.
“May we open our hearts to forgive, just as God forgives us every day. In doing so, we will truly be children of love,” Bishop Jaca implored, adding, “May each of us leave here inspired to love and serve, bringing the light of Christ to everyone around us.”
Meanwhile, Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of Caxito Diocese has challenged Christians to practice their love for God by recognizing and responding to those suffering around them.
