Fr. Epalanga added, “We are in the Jubilee Year of Hope, and this Triduum for Peace in Mozambique aligns with the Bishops’ solidarity message to their Mozambican counterparts. The prayers will culminate in a Vigil for Peace on January 3.”
Referring to the prayer vigil that is to take place at Our Lady of Fatima Parish of the Catholic Archdiocese of Luanda, he said, “The evening will begin with a Mass, followed by the recitation of the Rosary and a special prayer for peace from Pope Francis. Messages of solidarity from international organizations and individuals who support Mozambique will also be shared.”
The Angolan member of the Society of Jesus (SJ/Jesuits) further said that the spiritual solidarity with the people of God in Mozambique is all inclusive. Members of CEAST, he said, “invite all – Christians, Catholics, and non-Catholics alike, men and women of goodwill.”
“This vigil is open to anyone who believes in peace, works for peace, and is committed to peace,” Fr. Epalanga said, referring to the Friday, January 3 “Vigil for Peace” that is to conclude the three-day spiritual initiative.
He encouraged participation, saying, “We particularly invite the Mozambican community and all those dedicated to peace. Parish Priests across CEAST’s Dioceses are asked to offer special intentions for Mozambique during the Eucharist throughout the Triduum.”
“Participants are encouraged to bring candles, white t-shirts, and rosaries for the prayer of the Rosary. This is not an overnight event; we will begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude well before midnight, understanding that many attendees may have to travel long distances,” Fr. Epalanga said.
“Let us come together in this moment of prayer for peace in Mozambique and the world. All are warmly welcomed to join in solidarity and hope,” he emphasized.
Street protests erupted both before and after Mozambique’s electoral commission declared that the country’s ruling party, Frelimo, had won the October 9 presidential election, extending its 49-year hold on power.
The new opposition party Podemos and its presidential candidate, Venancio Mondlane, rejected the results that the electoral commission announced. Earlier, other opposition candidates, civil society groups, and observers said that the election was marred by fraud.
More than 130 have been reported killed in clashes with law enforcement agencies, a Reuters December 24 report indicated, citing civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide.
