The organizers of this important religious event hope that this year’s edition will attract thousands of pilgrims.
Viana – Angola (24/07/2024 22:00, Gaudium Press) The Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima, located in the Diocese of Viana in Angola, is preparing for a major pilgrimage in honor of its patron saint, scheduled to take place between August 30 and September 1.
According to Bishop Emílio Sumbelelo, Bishop of Viana and president of the Episcopal Commission for Family and Life of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe, thousands of pilgrims are expected for this important religious event.
With Mary, let us Live the Year of Prayer in Faith
The pilgrims are expected to arrive in the village of Muxima on August 29 and will be led to catechesis and religious celebrations before the celebration of Holy Mass, which will officially open the pilgrimage on August 31.
The organizers of the event, which this year will follow the motto “With Mary, let us live the Year of Prayer in Faith”, inspired by the theme of the next Triennium of the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé, also intend to promote the tourist aspect of the pilgrimage.
Several Pilgrimages are Planned
Starting on August 3, the Pilgrim Statue will visit parishes in the dioceses of Caxito and Viana, as well as the Archdiocese of Luanda. In addition, on August 10 and 11 there will be a Pilgrimage of Catholic Health Professionals.
On August 14, the Children’s Pilgrimage is scheduled, which was a success in the last year’s edition and this year will involve the Dioceses of Viana, Caxito and the Archdiocese of Luanda. Finally, the Eucharistic Youth Movement Pilgrimage is scheduled for August 22.
A Brief History of the Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima
The Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima is located about 130 kilometers from the country’s capital, Luanda, and is considered the most popular place of pilgrimage and worship in Angola. “Muxima” means ‘heart’ in the local Kimbundu language. The name was given to the shrine because of its location, right in the middle of the province.
In 1589, the Portuguese occupied the village of Muxima, where they built a fortress and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Muxima. The site became a popular place for Marian devotion in 2007, when the Diocese of Viana was created. (EPC)
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Compiled by Florence MacDonald
