Luanda - The Politburo of the MPLA Central Committee expressed, on Saturday, "pain, anguish and deep sadness" over the death of the Catholic Cardinal Dom Alexandre do Nascimento, Archbishop Emeritus of Luanda.
In a note sent to ANGOP, the MPLA highlights the religious man´s achievements, born on March 1, 1925, in Malanje, marked by the national liberation struggle until Angola's independence, on November 11, 1975.
It adds that Dom Alexandre do Nascimento leaves his legacy in the national liberation struggle and in the defense of the Angola integrity and independence, causes that led him to suffer deprivation of freedom more than once.
According to the letter, “The name of the first Cardinal of Angola is associated with the socio-political community, creation of the Catholic University of Angola, reopening of Rádio Ecclesia, Catholic Broadcaster of Angola, as well as the resumption of several important evangelization infrastructures, giving greater coverage to the Catholic Church”.
Alexandre do Nascimento studied at seminaries in Bângalas, Malanje and Luanda.
He got degrees in Philosophy and Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome and later in Civil Law from the University of Lisbon.
Ordained to the priesthood on December 20, 1952, he returned to Angola, where he dedicated himself to teaching the subject of dogmatic theology at the Archdiocesan Major Seminary of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Luanda and editor-in-chief of the Catholic newspaper "O Apostolado", between the years of 1953 and 1956.
In 1957, as a result of his involvement in the cause of freedom of the Angolan people, he was implicated in the so-called "Process of the Priests", having been forced by the Portuguese colonial authorities to take up residence in Lisbon, where he would return ten years later.
On August 10, 1975, he was named Bishop of Malanje, being ordained on August 31, 1975.
On February 3, 1977, he was promoted to Metropolitan Archbishop of Lubango, and was also apostolic administrator ad nutum Sanctæ Sedis of the Diocese of Ondijiva, where he was kidnapped by the then armed forces of UNITA (Largest Opposition Party) and released only after the appeal of Pope John Paul II during the Angelus on Sunday, October 31st.
Appointed Cardinal of the church on January 5, 1983, by Pope John Paul II, with the title of Cardinal-Priest of São Marcos, in Agro Laurentino.
He was transferred to the Archdiocese of Luanda on February 16, 1986, having resigned from the pastoral government of the archdiocese on January 23, 2001.
His vocational path is linked with the politics of Angola under colonial rule, marked by the national liberation struggle until independence.
The Cardinal leaves behind a vast bibliography, standing out among the main Angolan authors. He is also renowned nationally and internationally for his dedication to faith and love for others, leaving no doubt that the Angolan people today lose an intrepid defender of their noble causes.
“In this moment of pain and mourning for Angola, for the Catholic church and for the family, in particular, the MPLA bows before the work and memory of Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento and hopes that his patriotic spirit will serve as an inspiration to all Angolans in the exercise that must be joint to serve the people and make Angola grow”, the message reads.
“Honor and Glory to His Eminence Cardinal Alexandre do Nascimento, distinguished son of Angola”, concludes the message.
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