AFRICA/ANGOLA - “We are anxiously awaiting the Holy Father's words of peace and reconciliation,” Fides hears from the Bishop of Cabinda, President of the Committee for the Papal Visit

Luanda (Agenzia Fides) - “All Angola is joyfully awaiting the Holy Father's visit. One can especially perceive the fervor with which the Church, in its many expressions, is preparing for the arrival of Benedict XVI. Everyone from Bishops and priests, religious, to missionaries, catechists, youth...are all working for the success of this visit, amidst joy.” This is what Bishop Filomeno do Nascimento Vieira Dias of Cabinda, President of the Organization Committee for the Holy Father's visit to Angola, said in responding to several questions from Fides.

What are Angola's expectations for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI?
First of all, the visit of Benedict XVI should be a celebration for everyone. We want to receive the Holy Father, making him feel the warmth of the Angolan people, receiving him in the celebrative tradition of Angola. In addition, we anxiously await the Holy Father's words of peace and reconciliation, in a country that is still suffering from the wounds of the civil war. We are in need of his spiritual consolation, of his moral indications on justice, peace, quest for the common good, on civil and spiritual progress.

How is the Church in Angola preparing for this event?
In preparation for Benedict XVI's visit, the Church in Angola has organized times for prayer with a specially prepared text. All the parishes in Angola, every Sunday, has had a special instruction on the Pontiff, focusing on a particular aspect of the Petrine Ministry: being Vicar of Christ, the role of the Pope in the Universal Church, his relationship with the dioceses, etc., to offer the faithful the possibility of fully understanding the importance of the Pope's visit.

And from an organizational standpoint?
Although the visit is only physically taking place in Luanda, the capital, all the dioceses of Angola are involved. At least 4,000 delegates from all the dioceses of the nation are expected, along with the many faithful from all over Angola. In order to accommodate these people, the Church is making a noteworthy effort. Catholic schools in Luanda are getting ready to accommodate pilgrims who will come from outside the capital, and a food drive has been organized to provide them with food during their stay. We are also organizing hygienic services, as well as health assistance and first aid. On the evening of the Holy Father's arrival in Angola, there will be a 4 km procession through the streets of Luanda, concluding with a Prayer Vigil. Organizing all this is a lot of work, but we are doing it all with great joy and fraternal spirit. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 16/3/2009)