Catholics in Angola Challenged to Walk 130-Kilometer Pilgrimage of Faith to Muxima Shrine

“Without devaluing other places, the Shrine of Muxima is very much ours, and we should have a heart for it,” Fr. Calonda said.

The Catholic Priest said the pilgrimage will also seek to strengthen communion among participants and entrust Angolan families to the intercession of Our Lady.

He summarized the spiritual journey in four verbs: to set out, to trust, to walk together and to arrive with hope.

“The first is to set out, to get up and begin the journey,” he explained, while “to trust” means taking to Muxima the joys, sorrows and achievements experienced within families.

“Arrival is not the end; it is also the moment of being sent forth,” he added, saying pilgrims should return to their communities with a renewed commitment to love and serve.

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According to Fr. Calonda, pilgrims will undergo spiritual, theological, and technical preparation before undertaking the journey.

“It is necessary to speak to them about the theological meaning of this journey, the spiritual meaning of this journey, and the community meaning of this journey,” he said.

Registration will take place through parishes, with parish priests and parochial vicars forwarding participants’ information to the central organizing committee.

The distance from Luanda to the Muxima Shrine is approximately 130 kilometres. While the pilgrimage will combine walking stages with transportation by bus, Canon Beije said those choosing to walk must be prepared for the sacrifice involved.

The pilgrimage will begin at 6 a.m. on September 4 at the Archdiocesan Seminary of Luanda, with departure scheduled for 6:30 a.m. to Santana Cemetery.

Pilgrims will then be transported to Kilometer 30, from where they will resume walking towards Catete. After lunch and a period of rest, participants will travel by bus to Cabala.

Mass will be celebrated in Cabala at 8:30 p.m.

The following morning, pilgrims will wake at 5:30 a.m. for Lauds and breakfast before another transfer and walking stage of approximately five kilometres, including a bridge crossing, ahead of the final walk to the shrine.

The solemn entrance into the Muxima Shrine is scheduled for 3 p.m. on September 5.

Pilgrims have been advised to bring comfortable, already-used footwear, a hat, reflective vest, small backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, rosary, Bible, identification, personal medication, a change of clothes and a flashlight.

“Take only what is essential. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Hydrate frequently. Take care of your health,” Canon Beije advised.

Participants will also be expected to protect the environment, keep the route clean and follow instructions from organizers.

The organization will provide support vehicles for larger luggage, while meals will be available through contributions from participants. Security arrangements will also be coordinated with relevant institutions.

Each pilgrim will be required to provide personal details, including date of birth, diocese, emergency contact, blood type, and allergies.