“Do not return the same”: Annual Pilgrimage to Muxima Shrine in Angola Ends With Call to Transform Faith Into Action

The Catholic Archbishop placed the Virgin Mary at the centre of this call to transformation, presenting her not merely as an object of devotion but as a model of availability and care.

He urged Christians to draw from Mary’s example by becoming more present to people experiencing difficulties and hardship.

“She is a living prayer for each of her children,” he said.

In this perspective, Marian devotion at Muxima must lead to a greater willingness to accompany others, especially those who are struggling.

A pilgrimage that brings Angola together

(Story continues below)

The thousands gathered for the closing celebration came from different parts of Angola, giving the annual pilgrimage a strong national character.

Archbishop Dias acknowledged pilgrims from communities and dioceses including Cabinda, Caxito, Dundo, Lubango and Luanda, among others.

Their different journeys, he said, should ultimately converge in a common commitment to Christian witness.

“The distance traveled by each pilgrim only gains full meaning when it leads to an inner change capable of bearing fruit in the community,” he said.

He emphasized that pilgrimage requires more than leaving one’s home or geographical location. It requires Christians to “step out of ourselves” and become more open to God and to the needs of others.