From Church Leaders
[Source: Bishop André Soares]
Just to let you know that my health is better now and from 19th September 2007, I have travelled a lot in South Africa, Mozambique and recently I was in Cunene in the South of Angola for a pastoral visit with confirmations, and then I was in Uige and Mucaba in the North of Angola to open the new office for the Malaria Programme and meeting government members. Please find attached some pictures from Cunene province.
I am very glad to be writing to you to let you know the work which we have done here during this Advent season. The pictures you have now came from the parish of St. John the Baptist in Luanda where I visited on the First Sunday in Advent with confirmation of nine people. It is a vibrant church but a small chapel. It is not linked with any church in London Diocese.
On the Third Sunday in Advent, I visited St. Mary's parish in Luanda, where nine more candidates were confirmed in the morning service. This church was the place where ALMA built the first school in this diocese. This year the school was attended by 600 pupils in five classrooms over three periods in the day. The chapel as you can see is still in construction. The parish has not yet linked with any parish in the Diocese of London. It has 406 communicant members and 756 Sunday School members. The Parish also has two daughter churches. If any church can be interested to build a link with this school and parish, I will be happy.
During the Fourth Sunday in Advent and this Christmas Day I have visited the parish of St. Joseph in Rocha Pinto, Luanda and Christ the King respectively. As part of the Eucharistic service we have administered some confirmations, five in St Joseph's and eight in Christ the King. Please find attached some pictures.
We thank God for this work and the new life restoring by the Holy Spirit. Please pray for those who were confirmed recently and for the Diocese as a whole.
I wish you a wonderful new year 2008
Peace and Love
+André