Benguela - The coordinator of the Promotion of Angolan Women in the Catholic Church (Promaica), Julieta Araújo, confirmed on Sunday in Benguela, that its congresses will now be held every five years.
Still on the conclusions of the 1st Congress, Julieta Araújo informed the press that the inclusion of young Promaica issues in the statutes of that woman organization of the Catholic Church was also approved after the discussions.
Among other matters, there is also the inclusion of the duties of archdiocesan and diocesan directors and the date of celebration of their patron saint, Our Lady of Visitation, taking place on May 31st.
In addition to internal issues, the coordinator was also asked about burning social problems in Angolan society, such as domestic violence and the 2024 population and housing census.
Regarding domestic violence, she considered it a challenge where the entire society must join forces to "reduce as much as possible" this criminal action, as there will always be one case or another, depending on the behavior of the offenders.
Regarding the 2024 Census, she appealed to all women and beyond, to help the Government identify population density to know "how many are we" and also the number of residences, given the importance of the subject.
Thousands of faithful, including a group from Mozambique, attended the 1st Congress, held under the motto: "Promaica faithful to its identity and mission".
The event, held from the 22nd to the 24th of August, ended with a solemn mass led by Dom José Manuel Imbamba, Metropolitan Archbishop of Saurimo and CEAST (Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé) chair.
In his homily, the prelate spoke a word of comfort to Promaica, calling for profound transformation and a change in mentality and attitude.
He advised the ladies to reflect on "who we are, what our mission is, what we are called to witness and how to galvanize the family towards good works".
Also taking part in the ceremony were the host Dom Francisco Jaca (bishop of the Benguela Diocese), Dom Estanislau Marques Chindecasse, vice-president of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé, and Dom Estêvão Binga, from the future Diocese of Ganda.
The Benguela's Provincial Government was represented by the deputy-governor for the Political, Economic and Social area, Lídia Amaro, and her advisors.
TC/CRB/CF/DOJ
