Missionaries of the Shalom Catholic Community in Angola are eagerly awaiting their encounter with Pope Leo XIV during his first apostolic journey to the African continent. Together with other faithful, they departed from Lubango—where the Community’s mission in the country is based—in the early hours of Friday, April 17, at around 4 a.m. (local time), heading to Luanda, the nation’s capital, on a journey marked by faith, enthusiasm, and a spirit of communion.
A total of four missionaries from the Community of Life are part of the group, accompanied by members of parishes, religious congregations, priests, and lay faithful.
The journey, which lasted approximately 32 hours, was marked by great enthusiasm despite the physical fatigue. Throughout the trip, participants maintained a joyful atmosphere, singing and rehearsing performances prepared for the Pope’s welcome, including dances and local cultural expressions.
Ecclesial communion
According to Emilyn Martins, a missionary of the Shalom Community in Angola, the experience highlighted the strong sense of ecclesial communion among the various vocations present in the country. “It was beautiful to see the unity among religious congregations and lay faithful, all moved by the same purpose,” she said.
The group also highlighted the characteristic joy of the Angolan people and their deep love for the Church. During the journey, many expressed their desire to live this historic moment alongside the Pope and later share the experience with those who could not be present.
The focus now turns to the encounter with the Holy Father, when the missionaries hope to express their filial devotion and strengthen the bonds of faith and unity with the Church. The program includes participation in the Mass celebrated by the Pope on Sunday, April 19, as well as the Rosary in the afternoon. On Monday, April 20, the group will attend a meeting with religious and consecrated persons together with the Holy Father.
