Catholic Bishop in Angola Urges Religious Women to Remain Faithful to Their Vocation Amid Challenges

In brief

Bishop Estêvão Binga of the Diocese of Ganda urged nine novices of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena to stay faithful to their religious vocation during a ceremony on September 11. The event, held at St. Francis of Assisi Luongo Parish in the Diocese of Benguela, marked the moment the women made their temporary vows.

During his homily, Bishop Binga told the women they should not abandon their commitments when facing difficulties in parish service, pastoral ministry, or community life. He stated that their religious response must be proven through their daily actions.

The bishop described temporary profession as a new stage of formation rather than a conclusion. He noted that as the women move from the novitiate into different communities and apostolic service, their fidelity will be tested by real circumstances. He encouraged the nine women to continue progressing in their vocation after completing their novitiate.