Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Luanda (Fides Service) -“Gathered in Luanda for our second plenary assembly this year, on 11 November National Independence Day we too celebrate with joy the 30th anniversary of the independence of Angola” the country’s Catholic Bishops wrote in a public statement issued on the African country’s Independence Day.
“Since 11 November 1975 our people have become ever more aware that we are a nation with its own law and its own name: the Angolan people. These 30 years have been a time of adolescence, difficult times of growth, with suffering, tears and laughter, but most of all 30 years marked by much hope in the land which is reborn in its sons and daughters united and determined to make Angola grow as a united nation, a homeland, a homeland of freedom, justice, brotherhood and peace. We bow to the memory of many generations of Angolans who generously gave their lives to help the new nation grow and be consolidated” the Bishops wrote underling that much remains to be done to build a nation free of any political, cultural or regional discrimination and in which the rich are not indifferent to the poor.
“After our meeting today 11 November national Independence Day, on Sunday 13 November we will each preside a Mass in parishes in Luanda and then together make a pilgrimage to Mbanza Congo, cradle of Christianity in Angola and the see of the country’s first diocese where will be take part in a National Celebration Act on the part of the Bishops’ Conference to conclude celebrations for the centenary of the Cathedral” the Bishops said.
“God bless our land! God bless Angola” happy is the nation of which God is Lord!” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 11/11/2005 righe 26 parole 283)
