Comboni Bishop in Mozambique Calls for Rejection of Violence and Corruption to Build Peace

Bishop António Manuel Bogaio Constantino of the Diocese of Caia urged Christians to reject violence and corruption to help build peace in Mozambique. During a Thanksgiving Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Alto da Manga Parish on October 4, the bishop told the congregation that peace requires everyday choices such as forgiveness, honesty, and solidarity.

The Mass celebrated the 25th anniversary of the bishop's priestly ordination and the 75th anniversary of the parish. It also coincided with Mozambique's annual Peace Day. Bishop Bogaio, a member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus, noted that the country faces armed conflict, insurgency, and social and political tensions.

He stated that peace is more than the absence of war and must be reflected in how people treat one another. The bishop called on people to replace hatred with forgiveness, lies with truth, and selfishness with generosity to foster reconciliation in society.