Religious Sisters in Angola Urged to Live Consecration As Total Gift to God and Others

Bishop António Francisco Jaca urged members of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of La Salette to view their consecration as a complete gift to God and a commitment to serving others. He spoke during a Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in the Diocese of Benguela on Tuesday, September 15.

The Bishop addressed the congregation during the perpetual profession of two sisters, Amélia João Tchingombe and Palmira Mandeca da Silva, and the 25th anniversary of another sister's religious life. He explained that religious life requires individuals to offer their entire being, including their body, soul, and will, to God.

Bishop Jaca described obedience as a way for religious sisters to place their autonomy at the disposal of God. He stated that consecration means a person stops belonging only to themselves to serve both God and other people. He also noted that religious vocations require freedom, perseverance, and a readiness to handle various challenges.