Angolan Catholic Archbishop Invited to Preside Over Fatima Pilgrimage in Portugal

Such renewal, he explained, should contribute to overcoming forms of intolerance and rejection that continue to undermine peaceful coexistence among people and nations.

“Its purpose is to contribute so that, ultimately, we can all build a humanity in which these pockets of hatred, intolerance, wars and lack of mutual acceptance are reduced,” the Archbishop said.

The September pilgrimage commemorates the apparition of Our Lady at Cova da Iria on September 13, 1917, the fifth apparition to the three shepherd children. 

During that apparition, the Virgin Mary asked the children to continue praying the Rosary and announced that she would return in October, when she would perform a miracle so that people would believe the testimony of the visionaries.

Archbishop Imbamba also linked the Fatima celebration with the responsibility of Christians to ensure that spiritual renewal produces concrete action in society.

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He said the pilgrimage should not only be an occasion for prayer and devotion but should inspire Christians to become agents of reconciliation and peace in their communities.

“Building peace also requires an attitude of welcome and openness to others, especially in a context where exacerbated nationalisms and conflicts continue to create new divisions. The Christian message must promote peace, harmony, forgiveness, mercy and universal fraternity,” he said.

The Archbishop emphasized that the ultimate fruit of the pilgrimage should be a renewed Christian witness in the world.

“This moment should help awaken consciences, warm hearts and renew faith, so that the experience of prayer may also be translated into Christian witness,” Archbishop Imbamba said.