Angola’s Muxima Pilgrim Image Leaves Luanda as Archbishop Calls Catholics to Put Faith into Action

The Archbishop acknowledged the contributions of women who have enriched society as queens, scientists, artists, athletes, activists and saints. He emphasized Mary’s distinctive place in salvation history.

Mary, “the Lady of Yes”

Archbishop Dias linked Mary’s role in salvation history to her willingness to cooperate with God’s plan.

“God could have done otherwise, but God did not want that,” he said, adding that God chose to involve humanity in the work of salvation.

In Mary, he said, humanity responded to God with a “yes.”

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“In her, a new humanity emerges; with her, a new creation emerges; with her, a new relationship between God and man emerges,” Archbishop Dias said.

He presented Mary as the new Eve and contrasted her obedience with Eve’s disobedience.

“Mary is the new Eve, the one who said yes where Eve said no, and the one who neither hesitated nor faltered before the divine will,” he said.

Archbishop Dias, who began his Episcopal Ministry as Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda in January 2004, said Mary’s faith was not limited to an interior conviction but was expressed through her actions and readiness to serve God.

Prayers for the Church and vulnerable people

During the Eucharistic celebration, Archbishop Dias entrusted Bishops, Priests, women and men Religious, families and vocations to Mary’s intercession.

He prayed for Bishops and asked that Priests remain “zealous, active and dedicated to the Kingdom.”

The Catholic Archbishop also prayed for women Religious and young people discerning Consecrated Life, highlighting the Church’s need for vocations to continue its mission.

He called for greater care for vulnerable members of society, including people with mental health conditions, street children and those experiencing abandonment.

“Mother, help us to care for those who are most vulnerable in our society,” Archbishop Dias prayed.

Located about 130 kilometres from Angola’s capital, Luanda, on the banks of the Kwanza River, the Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima is considered the country’s most popular pilgrimage and devotional destination. It attracts pilgrims from Angola and other countries each year.

“Muxima” means “heart” in Kimbundu, a local language. The name is associated with the Shrine’s location in the central part of the province.

The Portuguese occupied Muxima village in 1589 and constructed a fortress and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Muxima.

Devotion to Our Lady of Muxima has continued across generations. The creation of Viana Diocese in 2007 marked a new phase in the history of the Shrine.