Spiritan Archbishop in Angola Urges Formation of Priests Capable of Discerning “Signs of the Times”

“Well-prepared Priests can contribute to the ethical, moral, and intellectual renewal of society through Christian witness and pastoral engagement,” the Spiritan Archbishop who started his Episcopal Ministry in January 2000 as Coadjutor Bishop of Lwena Diocese in Angola said.

The Catholic Archbishop expressed satisfaction with the continuity of the annual Philosophical-Theological Week and the growing involvement of ecclesiastical institutions in seminary formation.

“These initiatives strengthen the preparation of future Priests and consolidate the evangelizing mission of the Catholic Church in Angola,” he said.

Addressing journalists on cases of sexual abuse involving Catholic Clergy, Archbishop Mbilingi reaffirmed the Church’s firm position against abuse, particularly when minors are involved.

“The Church has a clear and firm position regarding sexual crimes, especially when the victims are minors,” he stated.

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According to the Archbishop of Lubango, any Priest found guilty of sexually abusing minors must immediately be suspended from ministry and subjected to civil justice.

“If it is proven that sexual abuse occurred and involved a minor, the priest is immediately suspended from his priestly function. Anyone who sexually abuses minors, even if he is a priest, must be subjected to judgment under civil law,” he said.

Archbishop Mbilingi emphasized that the Catholic Church condemns all forms of sexual abuse and rejects any attempt to conceal such crimes.

He lamented the damage abuse scandals cause to the credibility of the Church and emphasized that the protection of children and adolescents must remain an absolute priority within the Church’s evangelizing and educational mission.

Meanwhile, the President of the Conference of Religious Institutes of Angola (CIRA), Lubango branch, Sr. Emília Filipe, reflected on the growing challenges faced by consecrated men and women in modern society.

“We cannot become complacent,” Sr. Filipe said.

She noted that Religious Life today requires courage, fidelity to the Gospel, and commitment to reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness.

“Our consecration impels us to become men and women of reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness,” she said.

The Catholic Sister also warned that many consecrated persons face “silent persecution” through social media attacks and online defamation campaigns.

“These attacks affect the identity, mission, and spiritual stability of many religious,” she cautioned.

Sr. Filipe urged Church leaders and pastoral agents to use modern technologies responsibly as instruments for evangelization and not tools that undermine human dignity.

“The great challenge today is learning how to deal responsibly with new technologies,” she said.