Angola: Diocese of Viana prepares for annual pilgrimage to Mama Muxima Shrine

Ribeiro André – Viana

After this week’s meeting in Viana, between church and local government authorities, as well as an on-site visit, diocesan officials told the local Radio Maria station that the main purpose of the meeting and site visit was to assess and strengthen preparations for the upcoming Marian event.

Pope Leo visited Mama Muxima

In April this year, Pope Leo XIV visited Angola’s most famous shrine and led thousands of pilgrims in reciting the Holy Rosary.

Following Pope Leo’s April visit, organisers expect more pilgrims to come to the shrine. The dates for this year’s Marian pilgrimage to Mama Muxima have been set to run from 3 September to 6 September under the theme: “Mama Muxima, kind Mother and model of holiness, pray for us.”

Meeting in Viana, between church and local government authorities

Creating a prayerful environment

The Church delegation to the meeting was led by the Diocesan Vicar General, Father Fila José Zua Cassule, accompanied by a delegation of priests and laypeople, including the Rector of the Muxima Sanctuary. Also in the delegation was the Director of Diocesan Communications, Father Queirós Figueira.

The Diocese’s Vicar General, Father Fila, has since appealed to all pilgrims to follow the guidance of the church and local authorities in order to avoid overcrowding.

The Deputy Governor of Icolo and Bengo Province, António Pedro Agostinho, led the government delegation.

Mr António Pedro Agostinho explained that various government units and security bodies were working together and coordinating with church authorities to ensure that the pilgrimage takes place in a dignified atmosphere, thus providing pilgrims with a prayerful environment that they expect to find at the Shrine of Mama Muxima.

Religous Sisters at the Shrine of Mama Muxima   (ANSA)