Mission Begins at Baptism, Angolan Spiritan Archbishop Says, Urges Catholics to Grow in Faith and Service

Archbishop Gabriel Mbilingi of the Archdiocese of Lubango told Catholics that their responsibility to serve the Church and their communities begins at Baptism. Speaking during a Thanksgiving Mass for the patronal feast of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Calumbiro on October 3, the Spiritan archbishop said the call to Christian mission extends to all baptized people, not just those who enter seminaries or religious congregations.

During the celebration, where he also administered Confirmation, Mbilingi urged the faithful to deepen their knowledge of Jesus Christ and live according to his teachings. He compared spiritual growth to a child's development, noting that just as a baby is expected to grow, Christians must move beyond infancy through formation.

Mbilingi said catechesis helps believers understand the life and teachings of Jesus, which leads to more conscious participation in the sacraments and Church life. He has served as the archbishop of Lubango since September 2009.