Over 20,000 Pilgrims Expected at Corpus Christi Procession in Angola’s Luanda Archdiocese to “rekindle flame of hope”

The Angolan Catholic Priest called for active involvement of all the people of God, insisting that participants should be pilgrims, not mere spectators. He emphasized the need for calm, reverence, and a spirit of prayer throughout the procession.

On his part, the procession’s spokesperson, Fr. Mário Pacheco, underscored the importance of the celebration as a visible sign of the unity of the Church.

This year, he said, “the Archdiocese has chosen to gather all 53 parishes in a single procession, restoring the dynamic that existed before the pandemic and highlighting the Eucharist as the Sacrament of communion.”

“During the procession, there will be three stops for catechesis and prayer, where the faithful will be invited to reflect on the deep meaning of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist and the commitment of faith that it entails,” Fr. Pacheco said.

He added, “This procession also holds special value as it takes place in the context of Angola’s Jubilee of Independence.”

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Over 20,000 Pilgrims Expected at Corpus Christi Procession in Angola’s Luanda Archdiocese to “rekindle flame of hope”

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“To celebrate 50 years of independence without acknowledging the hand of God would be ungrateful. The history of our nation, with its achievements and challenges, cannot be separated from God's action among us. We want to rekindle the flame of hope in the hearts of our people and reaffirm our faith in the living presence of Christ,” Fr. Pacheco said.

He shared the hope of the organizing committee members that the procession “will be lived with a deep communal spirit, prayerfulness, and fraternity.”

“In cases of physical limitations or difficulties, the faithful are encouraged to participate spiritually from home, via radio or personal moments of prayer. According to the organizers, spiritual participation is equally valid and fruitful,” Fr. Pacheco added.

Also speaking during the June 19 press conference, the Auxiliary Bishop of Luanda Archdiocese described the double June 22 celebration as a moment of profound spiritual and national reflection, calling it “a privileged occasion to reaffirm our faith in the Eucharistic mystery, the core of Christian life and a sign of Christ’s real presence among His people.”

Bishop Fernando Francisco explained that this year’s Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is especially meaningful, as it gives Angolans an opportunity to rediscover their identity as both a Church and a nation.

“All these events converge. It is this double celebration—religious and historical—that strengthens the identity of the Angolan people as a nation and as a Church. With God, we make our history,” Bishop Fernando said.

He continued, “It is in the Body of Christ that we are all incorporated as sons and daughters. With this Jesus, with this God, we build a story of peace, even if accompanied by tribulations, which are part of our human nature.”

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.