Planned Celebration of Christ the King, Patron of Angola’s Catholic Youths, “pinnacle” of Youth Ministry: Official

On May 9, the Holy Father solemnly proclaimed the upcoming Jubilee Year 2025 at a ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica, during which he delivered the Bull of Indiction of the planned Jubilee, “Spes non confundit” (Hope does not disappoint).

The Jubilee Year provides the people of God across the globe an opportunity to participate in various planned jubilee events at the Vatican and in their respective Episcopal Sees, countries, and Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL).

At the November 20 press conference, the Communications Coordinator of Huambo Archdiocese reflected on the theme of the planned celebrations, saying “Pilgrims of Hope” has informed the preparations of the Christ the King celebrations. 

“Additionally, we will address another important topic tied to the youth and the vanities of the world in our daily lives,” Dionísio further said, alluding to the need to address the value system of young people in Angola, from mundane to heavenly pursuits and altruism. 

On preparedness ahead of the celebrations, he said, “We have visited the camp area where the event will take place. Accommodations will be provided in schools, both primary and secondary, which will offer the basic conditions a pilgrim needs to experience Christ the King over three days.”

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“We will be housed in classrooms, and for those who cannot be accommodated there, campsites will be available,” the youth official told journalists.

Regarding participants in the three-day celebration, he said, “It is challenging to provide an exact figure because youth participation can be unpredictable. Each coordinator keeps track of their group’s numbers, but the final registration count will be discussed in a meeting scheduled for Thursday (November 21).”

Dionísio also shed light on Saturday, November 23 events, saying participants are to engage in discussions on social and spiritual matters. 

“The first lecture will delve into the theme of the event, particularly youth and the vanities of the world. We will also have a session on social issues, examining major armed conflicts and their economic and social consequences,” Dionísio explained.

He added, “In light of ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as those in Mozambique, Sudan, and other parts of the world, it is essential for young people to understand the socio-economic consequences of these actions.”

Participants are also to engage in a social action in an initiative he said would focus on environmental awareness. 

“We are bringing global issues to the youths’ attention, integrating them into global challenges. On Saturday, we have planned a philanthropic activity tied to the environment, including a tree-planting exercise in a pre-identified area,” Dionísio said.

Christ the King celebrations for Angola’s youths are to culminate on Sunday, November 24, with a closing Mass, the youth official in Angola said, adding, “We invite all young people to join this major event.”

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