Summary
During a consecrated life assembly held from January 28 to February 2, 2026 under the theme “Consecrated Life United for Mission,” major superiors from nine Southern African countries gathered at Angola’s national Marian shrine, Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Muxima. The meeting was presided over by Fr José Joaquim Luís Pedro, the outgoing President of the RCMSSA. Bishop Leopoldo Ndakalako served as Liaison Bishop for consecrated life in Angola under the leadership of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST). Sr Nkhensani Shibambo, Secretary General of RCMSSA and a member of the Congregation of St. Angela, described the assembly as a moment of grace, discernment, and deep communion. The gathering included liturgical events such as an opening Mass led by Bishop Ndakalako and Sunday Eucharist presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Angola, Archbishop Kryspin Witold Dubiel. Sr Shibambo highlighted challenges in religious life, including poverty, inequality, migration, human trafficking, ecological crises, and difficulties in formation, sustainability, and care for members. The assembly concluded with resolutions focused on strengthening formation, safeguarding, care for creation, collaboration, leadership development, and responsibility for the well-being of consecrated persons.
Key Topics
Angola, Mama Muxima, Nkhansani Shibambo
