Catholic Archbishop in Angola Highlights Social Impact of First Walking Pilgrimage to Muxima Marian Shrine

Under the first option, pilgrims will depart from the Seminary and travel to Catete before continuing by bus to Cabala, where they will rest and celebrate Mass. The group will then travel by bus to a point before Muxima, from where pilgrims will walk the final 12 kilometers to the sanctuary.

The second option is intended for those seeking a more demanding physical challenge. Participants will walk approximately 60 kilometers to Catete on the first day, arriving between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., before continuing their journey toward the Muxima sanctuary the following day.

Organizers have also put in place medical and security arrangements along the pilgrimage route.

Fr. Pereira said support vehicles and ambulances from the Health Ministry of the Archdiocese of Luanda and Angola’s National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEMA) will accompany the caravan.

The National Police and firefighters will also participate in the security arrangements, with the number of personnel depending on the final number of registered pilgrims.

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To minimize disruption to traffic, pilgrims will be organized into groups of 10, with each group accompanied by a coordinator.

About 300 people have registered for the event, while organizers are targeting approximately 1,500 participants.

Registration remains open at Catholic parishes until August 30, with participation also open to people who are not affiliated with parish communities.

Fr. Pereira said people over 45 may participate provided they undergo an evaluation and receive accompaniment from their respective parish priest.

The pilgrimage is also open to non-Catholics and people who wish to participate by bicycle.

Fr. Pereira said the Archdiocese hopes the inaugural walking pilgrimage will establish a lasting tradition rather than remain a one-time event.

“The Archdiocese of Luanda intends for this first experience not to be an isolated event, but to become part of the local Church’s tradition,” he said.

Future editions are therefore expected to be organized as the initiative develops into a regular activity of the Archdiocese.

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 province’s central region.

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.